According to Gilbert Houngbo, the director-general of the International Labour Organization (ILO), India has significantly increased the percentage of its population receiving coverage from “at least one branch of social protection,” growing from 24% to 49% in a relatively brief period.
During the ‘Regional Dialogue on Social Justice’ held in New Delhi, Houngbo referred to this as a “significant accomplishment,” attributing it to India’s robust collaboration with the ILO and the government’s proactive measures to enhance social protection in recent years.
The World Social Protection Report 2024-26, published by the ILO, indicates that the percentage of India’s population receiving at least one social protection benefit (excluding health) rose from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024.
I commend this significant advancement in social protection, which stands as an example for the global community. According to Houngbo, India’s initiatives not only enhance the well-being of its citizens but also motivate other countries to enhance their own social protection frameworks.
