Citing the “World Social Protection Report 2024-26”, Director-General of the International Labour Organization, Gilbert F. Houngbo, said that the proportion of India’s population covered under at least one branch of social protection has increased from 24% to 49%, almost doubling in a very short time.
“This remarkable achievement reflects the strong partnership between India and the ILO and the decisive actions taken by the government in expanding social protection in the past few years,” Mr. Houngbo said while addressing the inaugural session of the “Regional Dialogue on Social Justice” organised by the Union Labour Ministry and the Global Coalition for Social Justice here on Monday (February 24, 2025).
Mr. Houngbo said India’s efforts in business growth along with social protection serves as a good example to inspire change and improve social protection systems across the world. He also appreciated efforts in leveraging digital platforms such as the e-Shram to enhance employment opportunities and social security coverage. He termed it as significant steps towards inclusive economic growth. “I salute this tremendous progress in social protection, which serves as a model for the rest of the world. India’s efforts not only benefit its own citizens but also inspire other nations to improve their own social protection systems… I acknowledge India’s collaboration with ILO on social protection,” he added.
Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who inaugurated the meet, said India has undertaken significant steps towards economic transformation. “The next five years present a unique opportunity to realise our vision of Sabka Vikas —balanced growth for all regions and communities,” he said. He said the unemployment rate has declined from 6% in 2017-18 to 3.2% in 2023-24, while the Labour Force Participation Rate has increased from 49.8% to 60.1% during the period. “These positive indicators underscore the impact of our reforms and initiatives. Labour reforms have been a foundation of India’s efforts to modernise its workforce policies,” he added. The Minister said the consolidation of 29 labour laws into four simplified Labour Codes has promoted labour welfare, universalised wages and social security, and ensured safer working conditions. “These reforms have also improved the ease of doing business by streamlining registration, license, and compliance procedures,” he added.
