Guwahati (Assam) [India], June 12 (ANI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma called it a 'phenomenal achievement' under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, as India's social protection coverage for the poor rose from 19 per cent in 2015 to 64.3 per cent in 2025, according to the latest data from the International Labour Organisation.

In a post on X, Himanta Biswa Sarma wrote,'This is a phenomenal achievement by Bharat under Adarniya Shri@narendramodiJi's stellar vision.'

https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1932836419644653702

'In the last 10 years, social protection coverage, i.e., protecting the poor from unforeseen events has surged to 64.3% from 19%, reaffirming the Govt's pro-poor commitment,' the post reads.

India has achieved a milestone in the realm of social protection coverage, recording one of the most significant expansions globally. According to the latest data from the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) ILOSTAT database, India's social security coverage has increased from 19 per cent in 2015 to 64.3 per cent in 2025, an unprecedented 45 percentage point surge over the past decade.

While holding a bilateral discussion with the Director General, ILO, Gilbert F Houngbo on the sidelines of the International Labour Conference (ILC), Union Minister of Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, highlighted the pro-poor and labour welfare schemes undertaken by the Modi Government over the past 11 years.

According to an official release, Union Minister also apprised DG ILO about the national-level Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise that has been carried out by the Government in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation, a release said.

Recognising these efforts, ILO acknowledged India's achievement and officially published on its dashboard that 64.3 per cent of India's population, i.e. over 94 crore people, are now covered under at least one social protection benefit. In 2015, this figure was just 19 per cent.

In terms of beneficiary count, India now ranks second in the world, providing social protection to around 94 crore citizens. DG ILO praised India's focused welfare policies for the poor and labour class under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. (ANI)