India's Social Protection Leap: Aadhaar Enhances Beneficiary Tracking

India processes over 200 crore records using Aadhaar to identify beneficiaries for 34 government schemes. This marks Phase-1 of a Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise aimed at improving coverage. India's current protection coverage is reported at 48.8%, with actual figures expected higher when in-kind benefits are considered.

India has taken a significant step towards extending social protection coverage by processing 200 crore records using Aadhaar across 34 major government schemes, including MGNREGA, EPFO, and ESIC, according to an official statement released on Tuesday.

The initiative, termed as a Social Protection Data Pooling Exercise, is in collaboration with the International Labour Organization and represents Phase-1 of the project, the Ministry of Labour & Employment announced.

While current coverage assessments by the ILO stand at 48.8%, the exercise is expected to reveal a higher percentage, incorporating both cash and in-kind benefits. This development is poised to enhance India's standing as a global leader in social protection.

(With inputs from agencies.)