📈 Historic Milestone: ILO Data
India has recorded one of the most significant global expansions in social protection coverage. According to the latest International Labour Organization (ILO) data released in 2026, the landscape has shifted dramatically over the last decade.
🏭 Organized vs Unorganized Sector
Organized Sector (EPFO)
Workers are covered under three primary schemes providing pension, insurance, and provident fund benefits:
Unorganized Sector (PM-SYM)
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM), launched in 2019, offers old-age protection.
- Benefit: Assured monthly pension of ₹3,000 after age 60.
- Eligibility: Age 18-40 years, Monthly Income ≤ ₹15,000.
- Nature: Voluntary and Contributory.
🛵 Gig & Platform Workers: Code on Social Security
In a landmark move, the definition of 'Gig Workers' and 'Platform Workers' has been formalized. The Code on Social Security, 2020 came into force w.e.f. 21.11.2025.
- Life and Disability Cover
- Accident Insurance
- Health & Maternity Benefits
- Old Age Protection
Institutional Mechanism: A "Social Security Fund" will finance these welfare schemes, overseen by a newly constituted "National Social Security Board".
💻 e-Shram: The One-Stop Solution
Launched on August 26, 2021, the e-Shram portal serves as the National Database of Unorganized Workers. It provides a Universal Account Number (UAN) and acts as a single integration point for welfare schemes.
Integration Update: Currently, 14 Central Schemes are mapped to e-Shram to ensure seamless benefit delivery, including:
Ministry of Labour & Employment
