Bharat’s Expanding Social Security Net: A Landmark in Inclusive Governance

Paromita Das
New Delhi, 13th June:  In a major stride toward social equity and economic inclusion, Bharat has achieved an extraordinary milestone in social security coverage, now encompassing over 940 million people. This landmark achievement, acknowledged by the International Labour Organization (ILO), marks a 45-percentage-point increase since 2015 and places Bharat in the second position globally for social protection coverage. More than 64.3% of the population is now supported by at least one form of social protection benefit—ranging from pensions and maternity coverage to unemployment support—according to ILO’s stringent criteria.

This progress reflects more than just numbers; it’s a transformative shift in how social justice and welfare are conceptualized and executed in one of the world’s most populous countries.

A Broader Perspective: Bharat’s Holistic Welfare Vision

1. The Antyodaya Principle at the Core

The guiding philosophy behind this expansion has been “Antyodaya”—a doctrine that focuses on uplifting the most marginalized. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has positioned this as the foundation of its welfare efforts. The government’s initiatives are designed not just to offer financial aid but to build an ecosystem of dignity, opportunity, and empowerment.

2. Legislative and Digital Frameworks

Unlike ad-hoc schemes, the social protection measures that now reach 940 million people are legislatively backed, cash-based, and verified by three-year data. The adoption of digital-first approaches, particularly in disbursal and tracking of benefits, has not only improved transparency but also allowed for seamless integration across platforms and departments.

The ILO Acknowledgment and Global Implications

1. Recognition and Data Integrity

The ILO’s official acknowledgment isn’t just a ceremonial nod; it reflects rigorous validation of Bharat’s data under Phase I of the Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise—a collaborative framework between Bharat and the ILO. This phase covered centrally sponsored and women-centric schemes across eight states. Phase II is expected to elevate the number even further, potentially surpassing 1 billion in social coverage.

2. Global Repercussions: Strengthening Bharat’s Global Negotiation Power

With this recognition, Bharat is better poised to negotiate Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with developed nations. These agreements are critical for ensuring portability of benefits for Bharatiya workers overseas—especially in an era of increasing labor mobility. Transparent data practices, aligned with international benchmarks, enhance Bharat’s standing in both trade and diplomatic negotiations.

Political Will and Institutional Backbone

1. Ministerial Advocacy and Strategic Dialogue

Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, leading the Bharatiya delegation at the 113th International Labour Conference in Geneva, articulated the country’s achievements in bilateral discussions with ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo. He emphasized Bharat’s strategic intent to build a “rights-based” and “inclusive” social protection regime.

2. Institutional Continuity and Cross-Ministry Collaboration

The scale of this achievement also underscores a coordinated institutional effort. From the Ministry of Labour to grassroots implementation agencies, the success has required unprecedented levels of inter-agency cooperation, sustained political will, and data transparency.

A Critical View: Beyond the Numbers

While the headline numbers are impressive, questions remain about the depth and consistency of benefits across regions and demographic groups.

• Urban vs. Rural Divide: Many rural beneficiaries still face hurdles such as delayed disbursal and lack of digital literacy.
• Unorganized Sector Coverage: A significant portion of Bharat’s workforce remains in the informal sector. Ensuring continuity and adequacy of benefits here remains a challenge.
• Quality vs. Quantity: With millions now included in the system, ensuring the quality and regularity of service delivery is crucial for long-term credibility.

A Model Worth Emulating—But With Caution

Bharat’s expansive social security net could very well serve as a model for other developing nations, especially those grappling with large, diverse populations and limited resources. However, success must not breed complacency. Future gains will depend not just on expanding the net but reinforcing its strength—through robust grievance redressal systems, adaptive policy frameworks, and targeted social audits.

It is also critical that Bharat continues to engage in transparent dialogues with international organizations and civil society stakeholders to refine its approach.

A Milestone That Paves the Way for More

Bharat’s leap in social protection coverage marks a paradigm shift in welfare policy—not merely an increase in numbers but an evolution in governance philosophy. As it crosses the 940 million mark, Bharat is not just protecting more people; it is redefining the scope and ambition of social justice in the 21st century. With Phase II of the Data Pooling Exercise underway and global dialogues intensifying, the future of Bharat’s welfare state looks promising—provided that the momentum is sustained and inclusivity remains at the heart of policymaking.

This is not just a policy victory; it is a societal achievement—one that may well shape the narrative of global welfare in the decades to come.