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India’s silent social security triumph

19 1
15.06.2025

A revolution is taking root on the soil of India, one that will not only be recorded in the annals of statistics but will resonate in the heartbeats of millions. This is the story of 94 crore people who today breathe under the impregnable shield of social security. This is the saga of a nation that, in a single decade, turned the impossible into reality, securing the second spot globally in social security coverage. In 2015, a mere 19 per cent of India’s population was covered by social security; by 2025, this figure soared to 64.3 per cent.

This historic 45 percentage-point leap is not just a number – it is a symbol of an unwavering resolve to empower the person standing at the last rung of society. It is a testament to the journey initiated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, transforming “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with All, Development for All) from a slogan into a living reality. The foundation of this revolution rests on welfare schemes that have brought light to the lives of the poor, labourers, and those on the margins of society. Ayushman Bharat has provided free healthcare to millions of families, while the Atal Pension Yojana has instilled confidence in financial security for old age. The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Jan-Dhan Yojana have empowered unorganized sector workers and women with the confidence to stride toward economic independence. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has not only lauded this achievement but........

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