India’s Social Security Leap: 95 Crore Now Covered, Says PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat

In the 123rd edition of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spotlighted a transformative milestone in India’s welfare landscape—nearly 95 crore Indians are now covered under at least one social security scheme. Citing a recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the Prime Minister described the achievement as one of the largest social protection coverages in the world, marking a dramatic rise from just 25 crore beneficiaries in 2015.

Here’s a detailed look at the announcement and its broader implications.

Key Highlights from the Address

- According to the ILO report, 64 percent of India’s population now receives some form of social protection benefit  
- This marks a 45 percentage-point increase in coverage over the past decade, up from 19 percent in 2015  
- India now ranks second globally in terms of social protection reach, as per the ILOSTAT dashboard  
- PM Modi credited flagship schemes like Ayushman Bharat, PM-GKAY, Atal Pension Yojana, and the e-Shram portal for driving this expansion  
- The government expects the number of beneficiaries to cross 100 crore soon, pending verification of additional schemes  

A Broader Vision of Social Justice

- PM Modi emphasized that the expansion reflects not just administrative efficiency but a deeper commitment to social justice  
- He described the achievement as a sign of saturation—where benefits are reaching every eligible citizen, regardless of geography or income  
- The Prime Minister noted that this progress instills confidence in India’s future and strengthens the foundation for inclusive growth  

Global Recognition and Future Outlook

- The ILO’s recognition is expected to bolster India’s efforts to sign Social Security Agreements with developed nations  
- These agreements would ensure portability of benefits for Indian workers abroad, enhancing their financial security  
- The government is also working to integrate more informal sector workers into the social security net through digital platforms and targeted outreach  

Additional Announcements in the Broadcast

- PM Modi celebrated India being declared Trachoma-free by the World Health Organization, attributing the success to health workers and the Jal Jeevan Mission  
- He praised the massive participation in International Yoga Day, especially the 3 lakh-strong gathering in Visakhapatnam and tribal students performing 108 Surya Namaskars  
- The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s cultural diplomacy, referencing Vietnam’s appreciation for the darshan of Bhagwan Buddha’s relics  

As India continues to expand its social safety net, the Mann Ki Baat address served as both a progress report and a vision statement—underscoring the government’s commitment to building a welfare state that leaves no one behind.

Sources: CNBC TV18, Moneycontrol, MSN India, Free Press Journal, ILOSTAT Dashboard June 2025, Mann Ki Baat Broadcast June 29, 2025

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