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India's Social Security Surge: How Coverage Soared to 64% and Global Rank

India has made a massive leap in social security, now covering 64% of its population compared to just 19% a decade ago. This progress places the country as the world's second-largest provider of social protection. The government credits this achievement to sweeping labour law reforms that consolidated dozens of archaic regulations. These new codes introduce stronger protections for all workers, including those in the gig economy, as part of a broader push to build a developed India by 2047.

Key Points: Mandaviya Says India Now Second Largest Social Security Provider Globally

  • Social security coverage expanded to 94 crore people, making India second only to China globally
  • New labour codes modernize outdated laws, introducing 'One Nation, One Registration' for ease
  • Reforms include mandatory appointment letters, health checks for older workers, and gratuity after one year
  • Skill mapping via the National Career Service portal aims to align Indian workforce with global standards
3 min read

Social security coverage rises to 64 % from 19% in 2014; India now second-largest provider globally: Mansukh Mandaviya

India's social security coverage jumps from 19% to 64%, covering 94 crore people. Minister Mandaviya credits labour code reforms and outlines new worker protections.

"We missed the train of development once, but under Modiji we have got a new one. - Mansukh Mandaviya"

New Delhi December 3

India has expanded social security coverage from 19 per cent in 2014 to 64 per cent at present and now stands as the world's second-largest provider of social protection, Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) summit, Minister Mandaviya noted that 94 crore people in the country are currently covered under accident, health and pension benefits, placing India just behind China, which covers 107 crore people.

Addressing industry leaders on recently notified labour codes reforms and national workforce preparedness, Minister Mandaviya said the government is pursuing a big goal aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of making India a developed nation by 2047.

Mandaviya criticised earlier regimes for lacking clarity and planning in their approach to development.

"We missed the train of development once, but under Modiji we have got a new one," he said, urging collective commitment from workers and industry to drive national progress.

The minister underlined that India's labour laws, some dating back to 1925, had become outdated, hindering both industrial growth and workers' welfare.

"There were 29 different labour laws across states, creating confusion rather than compliance," he said.

The government consolidated and modernised these laws, accompanied by extensive awareness campaigns targeting workers, including women whose work patterns have changed with the rise of hybrid and remote work.

He highlighted several provisions under the new framework, including mandatory appointment letters to ensure job security, ESIC coverage in hazardous industries, compulsory health checks for workers above 40, gratuity eligibility after one year instead of five, and extended protections for gig workers.

Minister Mandaviya said the government is moving towards "One Nation, One Registration" and "One Nation, One Licence", adding that the International Social Security Association, with membership from 162 countries, has appreciated India's reform measures.

Pointing to macroeconomic gains, he said India's economy grew at 8.2 per cent in Q2 2025-26, with the national budget doubling to Rs 51 lakh crore in a decade and infrastructure allocation rising to Rs 12 lakh crore.

Higher infrastructure spending has generated employment, while inflation has remained in check, he said.

The minister highlighted that the eight-hour international work benchmark will continue, and industries will be required to pay double wages for overtime.

Minister Mandaviya also emphasised the need for skill mapping and global alignment of vocational standards. The National Career Service portal, with data on 2 crore youth and integration with 54 lakh establishments, is helping bridge workforce demand, he said, adding that India is now emerging as a significant global investment and talent opportunity.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good numbers, but implementation is key. My father worked in a small factory for years with no appointment letter or ESIC. Consolidating 29 laws is a good step, but will it actually trickle down to the smallest workshops and gig workers? The intent is right, but the proof will be on the ground.
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Aditya G
"One Nation, One Registration" is a brilliant move. The red tape and different state laws were a nightmare for businesses trying to operate nationally. Simplifying this will boost 'Ease of Doing Business' and attract more investment. The economic growth numbers speak for themselves.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in development, extending protections to gig workers is crucial and very modern. The world is moving towards flexible work, and India is smart to update its laws accordingly. The focus on skill mapping through the National Career Service portal is also a forward-thinking approach.
K
Karthik V
Mandatory health checks for workers above 40 and double wages for overtime are very welcome provisions. Worker welfare is as important as industrial growth. Hope the enforcement is strict so that companies cannot bypass these rules. Jai Hind!
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Meera T
While the progress is commendable, I respectfully disagree with the minister's criticism of all earlier regimes. Building institutions takes time. The current government has built upon previous frameworks. Let's focus on the future goal of a developed India by 2047 together, rather than political point-scoring.

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