95 crore people now benefiting from social security schemes: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that nearly 95 crore people in India are currently benefiting from one social security scheme or another, a significant rise from the less than 25 crore who were covered by such schemes before 2015.

Speaking during his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address, Modi referred to a recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) report, which highlighted that more than 64% of India’s population is now receiving some form of social protection.

“Presently, most of the populace in India is taking advantage of one social protection benefit or the other, and recently a very important report of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has come out. It has been mentioned in this report that more than 64% of the population of India is now definitely availing some sort of social protection benefit or the other,” Modi said.

He described this as one of the largest social protection coverages in the world. “Today, around 95 crore people of the country are getting the benefit of some or the other social security scheme; whereas, till 2015, the government schemes were reaching less than 25 crore people,” he said.

Highlighting the broader impact of these efforts, the Prime Minister said the country is progressing with a spirit of saturation across sectors like health and social security. “This is also a great picture of social justice. These successes have instilled a belief that the coming times will be even better; India will become even stronger at every step,” he added.

Modi also celebrated the World Health Organisation’s declaration of India as Trachoma-free, calling it a “remarkable milestone” and praised healthcare workers for their dedication. Trachoma is a highly contagious bacterial infection and a major cause of preventable blindness globally.Extending his best wishes to those participating in various religious pilgrimages, Modi said, “I also commend those who are engaged in making these Yatras successful and safe with a spirit of service.”He further noted that individuals and communities across the country are emerging as key agents of change, with their efforts in conservation helping protect nature and secure the future for generations to come.

The Prime Minister also shared that people from Vietnam have expressed deep gratitude to India for enabling the ‘darshan’ of the relics of Bhagwan Buddha, calling it a touching reminder of the two countries’ enduring cultural ties.