India wins ISSA Award for outstanding achievement in social security

India has been conferred with the prestigious ISSA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Social Security 2025 Union Labour and Employment Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya accepted the award on Friday in  Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Over the last decade, India has witnessed one of the fastest expansions of social security coverage in the world, rising from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, covering more than 940 million citizens.

Receiving the award on behalf of the Government of India, Dr. Mandaviya said, “This award is a testament to the vision of our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and to our guiding principle of Antyodaya, empowering the last person in the line, that has shaped our journey towards inclusive and universal social protection.” India’s social protection initiatives have also strengthened its global standing. The country now holds thirty seats in the ISSA General Assembly, the highest vote share for any nation.
Dr. Mandaviya elaborated on India’s extensive digital public infrastructure, including the e-Shram portal, a national database connecting over 310 million unorganised workers to social welfare schemes. He also highlighted the National Career Service (NCS) portal, linking skilled youth with employers worldwide while ensuring social security coverage remains intact. The Minister further acknowledged the role of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in delivering healthcare, pension, and insurance benefits to the workforce.