India Expands Social Protection to 48.8% Amid Global Push for Labor Welfare

March 12, 2025 – India has doubled its social protection coverage to 48.8%, reinforcing its commitment to global labor welfare at the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) 353rd Governing Body meeting in Geneva.

The Indian delegation, led by Sumita Dawra, Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, highlighted India’s strides in social security expansion, fair migration policies, and workplace safety while advocating for stronger global labor cooperation.

Expanding Social Security for Millions

Dawra credited the expansion to flagship initiatives like:

• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) – 7.37 crore contributing members
• Employees’ State Insurance Corp. (ESIC) – 60 crore beneficiaries
• e-Shram Portal – 30.6 crore registered unorganized workers
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) – 30.6 crore beneficiaries

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India’s Leadership in Global Labor Dialogues

India reaffirmed its support for the Second World Summit for Social Development and called for the recognition of in-kind benefits in social protection coverage. Dawra also met ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo to discuss India’s deeper collaboration with the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

Houngbo praised India’s leadership in hosting the first Regional Dialogue on Social Justice and invited the country to present its best practices at the Annual Forum on Social Justice.

Prioritizing Fair Migration and Workplace Safety

As the world’s largest recipient of remittances, India advocated for stronger international cooperation on skills-based migration and social security agreements. It also backed the first Tripartite Global Forum on Migration under the Global Coalition for Social Justice.

India reinforced its commitment to workplace safety, citing legal reforms like the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020, and the Viksit Bharat 2047 Action Plan to prevent industrial hazards.

Advancing Responsible Business and AI in Workplaces

Discussions also covered responsible business practices, living wages, and AI’s role in the future of work. India’s voluntary contribution to an ILO-OECD study on global employment classification was recognized as a significant step in benchmarking international labor standards.

Strengthening India-ILO Collaboration

India and the ILO plan to enhance cooperation on:

• Living wages
• Better conditions for gig and platform workers
• Decent work standards across global value chains

With its expanding social security initiatives and active role in shaping global labor policies, India is expected to drive major advancements in social protection and employment standards worldwide.

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