India Conferred with Prestigious ISSA Award 2025 for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Security’

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India Conferred with Prestigious ISSA Award 2025 for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Security’

ANALYSIS

• About the Recognition:
  India has been conferred with the International Social Security Association (ISSA) Award 2025 for ‘Outstanding Achievement in Social Security’.
  The award was presented during the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2025 held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, received the award on behalf of the Government of India.
• Significance of the Award:
  • The award acknowledges India’s exceptional progress in expanding social protection coverage and modernising welfare systems.
  • India became the fifth country globally to receive this prestigious recognition.
  • It is a triennial award, highlighting countries that demonstrate remarkable advancement in social security administration and inclusivity.
• India’s Achievements in Social Security:
  • Coverage Expansion: Social security coverage in India has grown from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, benefiting over 940 million citizens, as also recognised by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
  • Technological Transformation: India’s e-Shram portal was lauded by ISSA for registering over 300 million unorganised sector workers within four years.
  • Digital Integration: The integration of e-Shram with the National Career Service (NCS) portal allows seamless access to employment and welfare benefits.
• India’s Representation at ISSA:
  • Following this achievement, India’s representation in the ISSA General Assembly increased to 30 seats, the highest vote share for any country.
  • This reflects India’s growing influence in shaping global social security policy frameworks.
• Minister’s Address at WSSF 2025:
  • Dr. Mandaviya highlighted that India’s social protection journey is guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Antyodaya—empowering the last person in line.
  • He emphasised the role of technology-driven, holistic reforms combining financial access, skilling, and self-employment.
  • The Minister underlined the contribution of EPFO and ESIC in delivering healthcare, pension, and insurance benefits to millions of workers.
• Key Highlights from India’s Approach:
  1. Creation of a comprehensive digital public infrastructure for last-mile delivery.
  2. Development of e-Shram as a multilingual, one-stop platform for unorganised workers.
  3. Strengthening of social security through policy, process, and digital reforms.
  4. Promotion of global employability for Indian youth through digital integration of job databases.
  5. Focus on inclusive and universal social protection aligned with sustainable development goals (SDGs).
• Global Importance:
  • The recognition underscores India’s role as a leader in social security innovation and technology-led welfare governance.
  • India’s experience demonstrates how digital public infrastructure and welfare convergence can advance inclusive growth in developing economies.

STATIC PORTION

• International Social Security Association (ISSA):
  • Founded: 1927
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
  • Affiliation: Works in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
  • Objective: To promote dynamic social security systems worldwide by facilitating knowledge-sharing, standard-setting, and innovation.
  • Membership: 160+ countries, representing over 320 social security organizations.
• World Social Security Forum (WSSF):
  • The flagship global event of ISSA, convened every three years.
  • Brings together policymakers, administrators, and experts to discuss innovations and challenges in social protection systems.
• Key Indian Social Security Institutions:
  • Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO): Provides pension and provident fund benefits to organised sector workers.
  • Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC): Delivers healthcare and insurance coverage to industrial workers.
  • e-Shram Portal: National database for unorganised sector workers, enabling access to social welfare schemes.
  • National Career Service (NCS): Platform for job matching and employment facilitation, integrated with social protection systems.

Updated – 03 Oct 2025 ; 11:20 AM | PIB

[News Source: Press Information Bureau – ISSA Award 2025]