India wins its first ISSA award 2025 for outstanding social security achievement

India has been honoured with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Security’ at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF), 2025 in Malaysia. The ISSA is a global network of social security institutions, with 340 members from 157 countries, dedicated to promoting excellence in social protection systems. The ISSA Award is a prestigious triennial recognition presented to countries that have demonstrated exceptional progress, innovation, and impact in social protection systems. It highlights best practices in expanding coverage, improving welfare delivery, and implementing sustainable, technology-driven social security solutions.

Union Labour & Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya received the award on behalf of the Government of India, marking India’s first-ever recognition at this prestigious global forum. Last year, in 2022, the ISSA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security was conferred upon the People’s Republic of China, recognising its comprehensive social protection reforms and initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of its citizens.

Globally, countries have been recognised for different social security achievements. China, in 2018, was recognised for expanding coverage among formal workers, while Iceland, in 2022, was praised for achieving universal coverage in its smaller, more homogeneous population. India, however, stands out for its unique achievement of covering millions of informal workers within a short span. By leveraging digital solutions and innovative welfare delivery systems, India was able to reach a vast and diverse population, making its progress distinct on the global stage.

India’s social security coverage has grown from a mere 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, now reaching over 940 million people. This remarkable transformation did not happen overnight, it is the result of careful planning, bold policy reforms, and the smart use of technology.

How India increased social security coverage from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025

Step 1: Understanding the challenge

A majority of India’s workforce is in the informal sector,approximately 85%,comprising daily wage labourers, gig workers, and migrant employees. These workers traditionally had little or no access to pensions, insurance, or healthcare. This vast informal workforce underscores the need for inclusive social security reforms to ensure equitable welfare for all. Expanding social security to cover such a diverse and mobile population was a huge challenge.

Step 2: Using technology to reach millions

The government created digital platforms to make access easy and inclusive:

• The e-Shram portal became a one-stop platform where unorganised workers could register and access welfare schemes. Within four years, over 310 million workers enrolled.

• The National Career Service (NCS) portal helped workers find jobs without losing their social security benefits.

• Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) ensured that pensions, insurance, and welfare payments reached people directly, quickly, and transparently.

Step 3: Policy reforms for inclusivity

• The Social Security Code 2020 simplified multiple labour laws, making it easier for informal, gig, and migrant workers to gain insurance, pensions, and healthcare benefits.

• Schemes like Atal Pension Yojana, PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, and PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana offered affordable protection for millions of low-income families.

Step 4: Strengthening institutions

• EPFO and ESIC expanded their reach, covering more workers across formal and informal sectors.

• State governments introduced targeted programs, ensuring last-mile delivery of welfare benefits to women, migrants, and vulnerable groups.

Step 5: A holistic, integrated approach

India did not just provide welfare; it combined financial support, skilling, employment opportunities, and technology, creating a social security system that is inclusive, scalable, and sustainable.

Step 6: Sharing its success globally

Winning the ISSA Award makes India a global leader in social security. Its digital platforms show how other countries can provide pensions, insurance, and healthcare to informal and migrant workers more efficiently. India holds the largest vote share of 30 seats in the ISSA General Assembly, reflecting its active participation and giving it significant influence in decision-making. This allows India to play a key role in shaping international social security policies and sharing its successful approaches with the world.

The award ceremony, attended by over 1,200 policymakers from 163 countries, recognises India’s remarkable journey, from limited coverage in 2015 to a model of inclusive, technology-driven social protection in 2025.