India has once again made its mark on the global stage by receiving the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for its remarkable progress in extending social security benefits to millions of workers across the country. The award recognizes India’s innovative policies, digital initiatives, and commitment to building an inclusive welfare system that leaves no citizen behind.
This recognition is particularly significant as India continues to balance rapid economic growth with social development, ensuring that the benefits of progress reach every segment of society — from urban workers to rural households.
What is the ISSA Award?
The International Social Security Association (ISSA), based in Geneva, is a global body that promotes excellence in social security administration through policy exchange, innovation, and best practices. Its award is one of the highest honors for social protection systems worldwide, given to nations that demonstrate excellence in expanding coverage, improving delivery, and ensuring long-term sustainability of social programs.
By earning this award, India has joined the ranks of leading countries recognized for their transformative impact on social security accessibility and innovation.
Why India Was Recognized
India’s social security landscape has undergone a massive transformation in recent years. Through a combination of policy reforms, digital infrastructure, and targeted schemes, the government has significantly widened the safety net for vulnerable groups.
Key highlights that contributed to the award include:
- Expansion of Pension Coverage
- Under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) and Atal Pension Yojana (APY), millions of workers from the unorganized sector have been brought under pension schemes.
- The APY alone has crossed 6 crore subscribers, reflecting India’s growing awareness of retirement planning among low-income groups.
- Universal Access to Social Protection
- The e-SHRAM Portal, launched by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, has registered over 29 crore unorganized workers, creating the first-ever national database for informal sector employees.
- This database helps streamline the delivery of benefits, insurance, and welfare programs directly to beneficiaries.
- Innovative Use of Digital Technology
- India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has revolutionized welfare distribution by ensuring that funds are transferred directly to citizens’ bank accounts — minimizing corruption and delays.
- The integration of Aadhaar-based verification ensures transparency and accountability.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage
- The Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has become the world’s largest government-funded health insurance program, covering over 50 crore individuals.
- It has significantly reduced out-of-pocket expenses for low-income families, providing financial protection against health emergencies.
Impact on India’s Workforce
One of the key reasons behind the ISSA recognition is India’s effort to formalize and secure its massive unorganized workforce, which constitutes nearly 90% of total employment.
The e-SHRAM initiative, coupled with schemes like PM-SYM and National Pension System (NPS), has provided workers with:
- Pension security
- Life and accidental insurance
- Access to government welfare schemes
- Skill development opportunities
Such integration ensures that even daily wage earners, gig economy workers, and small traders can access long-term social protection — a milestone in inclusive growth.
Women and Social Security Inclusion
Another dimension of India’s achievement is the emphasis on gender inclusion. Programs like PM Matru Vandana Yojana, Self-Help Group initiatives, and Mahila Samman Saving Schemes have empowered millions of women by offering maternity benefits, financial literacy training, and micro-finance access.
This gender-focused approach strengthens women’s participation in the workforce and ensures their social and financial independence.
Global Recognition and Praise
The ISSA Award jury commended India’s integrated digital ecosystem, calling it a model for emerging economies seeking to build efficient and transparent welfare delivery systems.
India’s approach of combining technology with targeted governance has been widely appreciated, especially for its scalability and adaptability across states.
The recognition also reinforces India’s growing influence in shaping the future of social welfare systems in the Global South, showcasing how large populations can be efficiently served through innovation.
Statements from Indian Leadership
Following the announcement, the Minister for Labour and Employment expressed gratitude, noting that the award was a tribute to the “visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi” and the tireless efforts of government officials, state partners, and digital innovators.
He stated:
“India’s social security transformation is not just about welfare — it’s about dignity, empowerment, and opportunity. Every worker deserves protection, and we are committed to achieving 100% coverage.”
India’s Broader Social Security Vision
The ISSA Award aligns with India’s larger mission under the National Social Security Code (2020), which aims to unify multiple welfare schemes under a single regulatory framework.
This code simplifies access, improves transparency, and brings gig and platform workers — such as those employed by food delivery and ride-sharing apps — under formal social protection.
By leveraging fintech innovations, mobile banking, and biometric identity verification, India continues to build a socially secure and digitally connected economy.
Future Outlook: Sustaining the Momentum
While India’s achievement is remarkable, the road ahead involves continuous improvement.
The government aims to:
- Expand coverage to migrant and seasonal workers.
- Strengthen data security and inter-state portability of benefits.
- Encourage private sector participation in social insurance.
- Collaborate with global organizations to share best practices.
With this award, India stands as a benchmark for other developing nations striving to build inclusive and sustainable welfare models.
Conclusion
India’s recognition with the ISSA Award 2025 is not just a mark of honor — it is a testament to the country’s vision of social justice, equity, and digital empowerment.
From rural farmers to gig workers, millions now enjoy the protection of pension, healthcare, and insurance — pillars of a resilient and inclusive society.
The award celebrates India’s balance between growth and compassion, demonstrating how the world’s largest democracy is setting new standards for welfare delivery in the 21st century.