Social Security Schemes Now Cover 95 Crore Indians, Says Government
Citing a recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) report, the Indian government announced that over 95 crore people in the country now receive benefits from at least one social security scheme. This represents more than 64% of the population, a significant increase from fewer than 25 crore beneficiaries in 2015. The expansion of social protection, covering areas from health to financial security, marks a major milestone in the country's social welfare framework and national development.
Unpacked:
Major schemes include the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (financial inclusion), Ayushman Bharat (health insurance), the Public Distribution System (food security), Employees’ Provident Fund, and pension schemes for unorganized and gig workers. These programs collectively target health, income security, and social protection for various population segments.
Key challenges include fragmented administration, exclusion of informal sector workers, lack of a unified worker registry, underutilization of welfare funds, limited awareness among beneficiaries, and issues with portability for migrant workers. Funding gaps and complex registration processes also hinder universal coverage.
The reported figures may underestimate actual coverage, as they often exclude in-kind benefits like food and housing assistance or state-level programs. Actual coverage could be even higher when these are included, but data fragmentation and inconsistent definitions create uncertainty about the full extent of social security reach.
Expanded coverage enhances financial stability, access to healthcare, and poverty reduction. It supports broader economic development by improving workforce productivity and ensuring a social safety net, but effectiveness depends on implementation quality and addressing gaps in coverage for marginalized groups.