PM: social security coverage rose from 25 crore to 100 crore in a decade
Next story · 15 AugNational framework to strengthen ITDAs/ITDPs released
UPSC has already asked about this. Read the story with these questions in mind.
In his Independence Day address on 15 August 2026, the Prime Minister said social security coverage rose from 25 crore people before 2014 to 100 crore within a decade. He also cited free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for people above 70 under Ayushman Bharat and more than 2.5 lakh registered startups.
- Date
- 15 Aug 2026
- Coverage before 2014
- 25 crore people
- Coverage now
- 100 crore people
- Ayushman Bharat
- free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for those above 70
- Startups
- over 2.5 lakh registered
- Innovation Fund
- ₹1 lakh crore
Social security coverage: what happened?
Social security means protection against old age, illness, accidents and job loss. In India most workers are informal, so wide coverage has been hard. The PM said coverage has grown four times in ten years.
- The PM said 25 crore were covered in the last five to seven decades, and 100 crore within a decade.
- He said development must reach the last person for a developed India.
- He listed Startup India, Skill India, Digital India, the Innovation Fund, the drone policy and the opening of space and aviation as job creators.
What does coverage mean here?
- It counts people protected by at least one social security or welfare scheme.
- Coverage shows reach; the size and regularity of benefits are a separate question.
Why does social security coverage matter?
- Welfare: Shows the scale of reach of social protection.
- Mains use: A data point for GS-II welfare and GS-III inclusive growth answers.
What can Prelims ask on social security coverage?
- Social security coverage: 25 crore (before 2014) to 100 crore (2026, PM’s claim).
- Ayushman Bharat: free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for those above 70.
How to use this in Mains
- As per PIB (2026-08-15): in the I-Day address, PM said social security coverage grew from about 25 crore to 100 crore people in a decade.
- Coverage has grown fast; whether benefits are adequate is the next question.
Quotable data pointIn the I-Day address, PM said social security coverage grew from about 25 crore to 100 crore people in a decade.
PIB: Labour: social security expansion, 15 Aug 2026
Exam angle
Mains: Social protection floor.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
As per the Independence Day 2026 address, social security coverage in India has reached about
Answer (d) & explanation
PIB (Labour), 15 Aug 2026.
Questions students ask about this
How many people have social security cover, as per the PM?
100 crore, up from 25 crore before 2014.
What benefit did the PM cite for the elderly?
Free treatment up to ₹5 lakh for people above 70 years under Ayushman Bharat.
How many startups are registered?
More than 2.5 lakh, as per the PM's address.
Keep studying
Go deeper
Official source: PIB: Labour: social security expansion, 15 Aug 2026
facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending