India’s social security net now covers 101 crore: Govt

The government said Friday that India's social protection systems now cover about 101 crore people, or over 68 per cent of the population. Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the achievement at the 4th Global Industrial Relations Summit in New Delhi, noting that the International Labour Organization has also recognised the milestone.

Mandaviya said every 1 per cent increase in GDP is now generating 1.11 per cent employment growth, compared to 0.008 per cent twelve years ago. He stressed the need for balanced development that advances worker welfare while ensuring ease of doing business. The minister also indicated reforms for the Employees' State Insurance Corporation, including allowing well-run private hospitals to be designated as ESIC facilities. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has moved to fully digital claims and automatic account transfers on a single UAN, with UPI-based withdrawal under consideration.

Michiko Miyamoto, Director of the ILO Decent Work Team for South Asia, said the country has crossed one billion people covered by at least one social protection criterion. This achievement, she said, would help propel India's economic growth.