OCT 03: India has been conferred the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Security’, in recognition of the Modi Government’s transformative efforts to expand social protection across the country. The award was received by Union Labour & Employment Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025 in Malaysia.
Addressing the forum, Dr. Mandaviya highlighted India’s remarkable growth in social security coverage, which has increased from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, now covering over 940 million citizens, a milestone also recognized by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). He attributed this achievement to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Antyodaya, emphasizing empowerment of the last person in the line.
The award recognized India’s digital public infrastructure, including the e-Shram portal, which connects over 310 million unorganised workers to social welfare schemes through a seamless, multilingual interface. Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted the National Career Service (NCS) portal, linking skilled job seekers with global employers while safeguarding social security benefits.
India’s social security organisations, EPFO and ESIC, were noted for providing comprehensive healthcare, insurance, and pension coverage. The Minister emphasized the government’s approach to leveraging technology for income opportunities, combining financial access, skilling, self-employment, and digital innovation.
India also secured the highest vote share in the ISSA General Assembly, with 30 seats, underscoring its leadership role in global social protection systems. With over 1,200 policymakers from 163 countries attending, India became the fifth country globally to receive this prestigious award, highlighting its path toward inclusive and universal social security.
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