New Delhi [India], June 29: In the 123rd episode of his monthly radio address Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted a major milestone in India’s welfare system, citing an International Labour Organization (ILO) report which states that 64% of the country’s population now receives some form of social security coverage.
PM Modi shared that nearly 94 crore Indians are currently covered under at least one social protection scheme, with the number expected to cross the 100-crore mark as additional schemes are verified. This is a dramatic rise from just 25 crore beneficiaries in 2015—marking a 45 percentage point increase over the past decade.
“This is a huge achievement. According to the ILO, nearly 95 crore Indians are now receiving social security benefits. Until 2015, this number was much lower,” the Prime Minister said, adding that India now ranks second globally in terms of social protection coverage.
Key initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, the e-Shram portal, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) have significantly contributed to this coverage expansion. The growing reach of these schemes also enhances India’s prospects in signing social security agreements with developed nations, ensuring portability of benefits for Indian professionals working abroad.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged another major health milestone—India being declared Trachoma-free by the World Health Organization (WHO). “The credit goes to our health workers and the success of the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’,” PM Modi said.
Further in his address, PM Modi celebrated the 10th International Day of Yoga, which saw record participation from across the nation. “This year, on June 21, millions took part in Yoga celebrations. The scale and energy have grown year by year,” he said.
Highlighting some standout moments, the PM mentioned the gathering of three lakh people on the beach in Visakhapatnam, where he led the session. He also lauded over 2,000 tribal students for performing 108 Surya Namaskars for 108 minutes—a feat demonstrating incredible discipline. The celebrations even extended to Indian naval ships, where sailors showcased yoga at sea.
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