New Delhi: India has been conferred with the prestigious International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Security’ at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The award recognizes India’s remarkable progress in expanding social security coverage to over 940 million citizens, as acknowledged by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
India’s Social Security Coverage Surges to 64.3% in 2025
Addressing the global gathering, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, noted that India’s social security coverage expanded from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, a historic increase. This makes India one of the global leaders in delivering inclusive and technology-enabled social protection to its citizens.
“This award is a testament to the vision of our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and our guiding principle of Antyodaya — empowering the last person in the line,” said Dr. Mandaviya while receiving the award on behalf of the Government of India.
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India Gains Highest Vote Share in ISSA General Assembly
Following this achievement, India now holds 30 votes in the General Assembly of ISSA, the highest vote share for any country, further solidifying its leadership in global social security governance.
The ISSA Award is presented once every three years to recognize countries making outstanding strides in expanding and strengthening their social protection systems. India becomes only the fifth country to receive this honor since the award’s inception.
Digital Infrastructure Driving Inclusive Delivery
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the e-Shram portal as a major digital innovation connecting over 310 million unorganised workers to various welfare schemes through a seamless multilingual interface. Described as a “One-Stop Solution”, the e-Shram portal is playing a vital role in ensuring last-mile delivery of benefits.
He also spotlighted the National Career Service (NCS) portal, which bridges job seekers and employers with digital tools. The portal’s integration with e-Shram is enabling skilled workers to access global opportunities while retaining their social security coverage.
EPFO and ESIC Praised for Wide Social Security Net
During the plenary session of the summit, the Minister acknowledged the role of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in providing healthcare, insurance, and pension benefits to India’s vast workforce. He emphasized how these institutions are evolving to meet modern demands.
India Sets Global Example in Social Protection Innovation
Dr. Mandaviya concluded by underlining India’s comprehensive approach combining policy, process, and digital reforms to build a resilient social security framework. “India is leveraging technology to create income opportunities and a stronger social safety net through financial access, skilling, self-employment, and innovation,” he said.
“India stands at the forefront — ready to shape the future and inspire the world’s youth,” the Minister added, calling on global leaders to join hands in transforming social security for the digital era.
