India Ranks Second Globally in Social Security Coverage: PHDCCI

By siliconindia  |  Tuesday, 01 July 2025, 10:14:25 AM IST

India Ranks Second Globally in Social Security Coverage: PHDCCI
  • India ranks 2nd globally in social security coverage, rising from 19% to 64.3% of the population.
  • Over 25 crore people have moved out of poverty, credited to key government welfare schemes.
  • Flagship initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, PMAY, and Ujjwala Yojana offer vital support in housing, healthcare, and basic needs.
India has made significant strides in expanding its social security net, with over 25 crore people moving out of poverty in recent years, according to Dr. Ranjit Mehta, CEO and Secretary General of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI). His remarks come in the wake of a recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) report that ranks India second globally in terms of social security coverage.
Over the past decade, India’s coverage has surged from just 19 percent of the population to 64.3 percent, reflecting the transformative impact of various welfare schemes launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Spea0king to IANS, Dr. Mehta highlighted that Prime Minister Modi's personal experiences with poverty have played a key role in shaping the government’s pro-poor agenda. "From his first Independence Day speech, when he launched the Swachh Bharat Mission, PM Modi set a tone of inclusivity and welfare-driven governance", Mehta stated.
He emphasized flagship programmes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), which aims to provide permanent housing to all, and the Ujjwala Yojana, which offers clean cooking fuel to millions of households. He also noted that even during the Covid-19 pandemic, India ensured food security through its free ration distribution scheme, preventing widespread hunger.
Dr. Mehta also spotlighted the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme as a cornerstone of India’s social security framework. "Ayushman Bharat offers free medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh, ensuring that even the poorest can access quality healthcare without financial stress", he said.
He added that such schemes not only address immediate needs but also serve as long-term safeguards, preventing families from slipping back into poverty due to unforeseen crises. “If a family's sole breadwinner falls ill, it can destabilize their entire life. That’s where Ayushman Bharat becomes a lifeline”, Mehta concluded.

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