Universal Social Protection Plan: India Expands Coverage to 64.3%, ILO Data Shows

e-Shram integration, EPFO reforms and gig worker code anchor national social security push

New Delhi: India has recorded one of the most significant expansions in social protection coverage globally, with coverage rising from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, according to the International Labour Organization.

The expansion reflects a decade-long push by the ministry of labour and employment to widen the social security net across organised, unorganised, gig and platform workers.

EPFO Schemes: Backbone of Organised Sector Security

To ensure comprehensive social security coverage for organised sector workers, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation implements three major schemes:

• Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952 (EPF) – Retirement savings corpus
• Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS) – Monthly pension on superannuation or disability
• Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 1976 (EDLI) – Insurance benefits to dependents in case of death during service

Together, these schemes provide retirement income security, disability support and life insurance protection.

The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) scheme, launched in February 2019, provides old-age protection to unorganised workers.

Key features include:

• Voluntary and contributory pension scheme
• ₹3,000 assured monthly pension after age 60
• Eligible for workers aged 18–40 years
• Monthly income up to ₹15,000
• Not enrolled in EPFO, ESIC or government-funded NPS

The scheme aims to address income insecurity among informal sector workers.

Code on Social Security, 2020: Recognition of Gig and Platform Workers

For the first time, the Code on Social Security, 2020, which came into force on November 21, 2025, formally defines “gig workers” and “platform workers.”

The Code provides for:

• Life and disability cover
• Accident insurance
• Health and maternity benefits
• Old-age protection
• Creation of a Social Security Fund
• Constitution of a National Social Security Board for gig and platform workers

This marks a structural shift in India’s labour architecture by legally recognising emerging forms of employment.

e-Shram: National Database for Unorganised Workers

Launched on August 26, 2021, the e-Shram portal creates a comprehensive centralised national database of unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers.

Registered workers receive a Universal Account Number (UAN) through self-declaration. The platform’s “One-Stop-Solution” integrates multiple social security schemes, enabling workers to:

• Access welfare schemes digitally
• Track benefits availed
• View eligibility and entitlements

So far, 14 schemes across central ministries have been integrated with e-Shram, including:

• Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi
• Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana
• Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin
• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
• One Nation One Ration Card
• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana

Toward Universal Coverage

The rapid expansion of social protection coverage from 19% to 64.3% over a decade signals a structural transformation in India’s labour welfare ecosystem. By integrating formal and informal sector schemes, digitising databases, and recognising new-age gig employment, the government is positioning social security as a universal entitlement rather than a sector-specific benefit.

The information was provided by Minister of State for Labour and Employment Sushri Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.