Ministry of Labour & Employment Initiates Comprehensive Social Protection Data Integration Drive

In a significant move announced on March 19, 2025 towards enhancing the effectiveness of social welfare delivery, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has launched a nationwide data integration initiative aimed at consolidating beneficiary information across 34 central government schemes. This initiative encompasses major programs such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), and the e-Shram portal, collectively covering approximately 920 million individuals. 

According to the International Labour Organization’s World Social Protection Report, India’s social protection coverage has witnessed a substantial increase, rising from 24.4% in 2021 to 48.8% in 2024. This improvement underscores the effectiveness of the government’s efforts in streamlining data across various welfare programs.

The primary objective of this data drive is to identify coverage gaps, minimize redundancies, and facilitate targeted delivery of benefits to the intended beneficiaries. By leveraging advanced data analytics and inter-ministerial coordination, the initiative aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and responsiveness within the social protection ecosystem.

The Ministry’s data integration initiative marks a transformative step in India’s journey towards comprehensive social security, aiming to ensure that welfare benefits are efficiently and effectively delivered to all eligible citizens.