India’s social security coverage has seen a significant rise, doubling from 24.4% to 48.8%, according to Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya. Speaking at the post-budget webinar on ‘Investing in People,’ Mandaviya emphasized the government’s commitment to skilling and empowering India’s youth, ensuring that their talent makes a global impact.
Citing the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) World Social Security Report 2024-26, the minister highlighted the progress made in expanding social security benefits across the workforce. The e-Shram Portal, which now covers over 30.67 crore unorganised workers, and the inclusion of gig workers under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) underscore the government’s efforts in workforce welfare. Additionally, 12 key welfare schemes have been integrated into the e-Shram platform, which is now available in 22 Indian languages.
Mandaviya also pointed to advancements in healthcare for workers, announcing that 10 new Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) medical colleges have been approved, with another 10 in the pipeline. He reaffirmed the government’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047, stating that investing in people is not just an economic priority but a social, moral, and cultural commitment toward building an educated, healthy, and empowered society.
Highlighting employment initiatives, the minister revealed that 17.1 crore jobs were created between 2014 and 2024, with 4.6 crore generated in the past year alone. The unemployment rate has declined from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24, while female workforce participation has seen a notable increase from 22% to 40.3%. Mandaviya attributed these achievements to the government’s progressive policies aimed at fostering economic growth and social security.
Further elaborating on labour reforms, Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra noted the modernization of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which has enrolled over 6.2 crore new members in the past six-and-a-half years. She also highlighted improvements such as the centralised pension processing system, automated settlement of PF claims, and enhanced IT infrastructure.
Dawra detailed the expansion of ESIC services, which have grown from 2.03 crore insured persons in 2014 to 3.72 crore in 2024. The healthcare network under ESIC has also expanded significantly, now comprising 165 hospitals and 1,590 dispensaries across the country.
The government’s continued focus on strengthening social security, employment opportunities, and healthcare accessibility signals a transformative shift in workforce welfare, reinforcing its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
-IANS
