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ILO Report: India’s Social Protection Coverage Doubles to 49%

27 March 20251 min read
REPORTS & INDEXESILO Report: India’sSocial ProtectionCoverage Doublesto 49%27 March 2025safalsetu.com

Why in the news

The International Labour Organization (ILO) widened its review of India’s welfare net and found coverage had roughly doubled, though India feels it is still undercounted.

Key facts

CategorySchemes considered
Employment and pensionMGNREGA, Atal Pension Yojana
Worker benefitsEPFO, ESIC
WelfareMidday Meal, PDS, housing
  • Ten large States, including UP, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, were asked for data; every State and UT will follow.
  • Encrypted tracking through Aadhaar may show that about two-thirds of people hold some social security.

India’s position

  • Wants wider indicators such as housing and food security, in line with the SDGs.
  • India and the ILO are refining the method together.

Exam angle

  • Central schemes counted: 34 (earlier 7).

Test yourself

1. According to the ILO assessment, India's social protection coverage rose to what percentage by 2024?

Coverage doubled from 24.4% in 2021 to 49% in 2024.

2. How many major central schemes does the ILO now recognise in assessing India's social protection?

ILO expanded from 7 to 34 major central schemes.

3. Why does India think the ILO's 48.8% estimate is an underestimate?

In-kind benefits and State-level programmes are not included.