New Delhi: India has been conferred with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for “Outstanding Achievement in Social Security,” recognising the Modi government’s efforts in expanding social protection. The award was received by Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya at the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The honour comes as India recorded a historic expansion in social security coverage—from just 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, now reaching over 940 million citizens. This achievement has also been recognised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). India also secured the highest vote share in the ISSA General Assembly, with 30 seats.
Calling the recognition a “testament to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Antyodaya,” Dr. Mandaviya said the government is committed to inclusive and universal social protection. He highlighted India’s use of technology to deliver welfare at scale, particularly through the e-Shram portal, which has registered more than 310 million unorganised sector workers in just four years.
The Minister also underlined the role of the National Career Service (NCS) portal in connecting job seekers with employers, and the contributions of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in providing pensions, healthcare, and insurance to millions of workers.
“India is leveraging technology to create new income opportunities and strengthen its social security net through financial access, skilling, and digital innovation,” Dr. Mandaviya said, adding that the country is prepared to inspire global youth in shaping the future of social protection.