India’s Social Security Revolution: From 19% to 64% Coverage in a Decade (2015–2025)

Introduction
India has made remarkable progress in social security coverage over the last decade. According to the latest data from the International Labour Organisation’s ILOSTAT, the country’s social security coverage is set to grow from a modest 19% in 2015 to an impressive 64.3% in 2025, with over 94 crore citizens benefiting from it. This represents a remarkable increase of 45 percentage points, highlighting the government’s focused efforts on social inclusion, well-being and economic security.

What is Social Security?

Definition: Social security (or social protection) refers to a set of public measures designed to provide individuals and families with access to health care and income security. It is particularly important during life events such as old age, illness, unemployment, maternity, disability or death of the breadwinner.

Social security is based on three main pillars:

• Social assistance – non-contributory measures targeted at the poor and vulnerable.
• Social insurance – contributory schemes where both beneficiaries and the government/employer contribute.
• Labour Market Programmes – Training programmes for skill development, employment generation and self-reliance.

Major Government Initiatives for Social Security
In the last few years, the Government of India has launched several schemes to extend the reach of social security to various sections of society, especially the unorganised sector and economically weaker sections.

1. Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-SYM)

• Target group: Unorganised sector workers aged 18-40 years.
• Benefits: Assured pension of ₹3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.
• Contribution: 50% by beneficiary; 50% matched by the Central Government.

2. Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

• Age group: 18-40 years
• Pension amount: ₹1,000 to ₹5,000/month after retirement.
• Target: Mainly unorganised sector workers.

3. Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

• Age group: 18-50 years
• Coverage: Life insurance of ₹2 lakh on death due to any reason.
• Annual premium: ₹436 per year.

4. Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

• Age group: 18-70 years
• Coverage: ₹2 lakh for accidental death or permanent disability.
• Premium: ₹20 per year.

Comprehensive social security initiatives
Apart from direct financial schemes, several welfare programmes contribute to social security:

• Public Distribution System (PDS): Ensures food security for the poor.
• Ayushman Bharat: Health insurance cover of up to ₹5 lakh for low-income families.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G): Provides affordable housing to the rural poor.
• National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP): Pension for the elderly, disabled and widows of BPL families.

Conclusion
The increase in India’s social security coverage from 19% in 2015 to over 64% in 2025 is a testimony to proactive policy making and inclusive governance. These welfare schemes not only provide financial relief but also help build a resilient and self-reliant society, especially for those in the unorganised and vulnerable sectors. For students, especially those preparing for government exams, understanding these initiatives is important to understand the country’s welfare landscape and socio-economic development priorities.