Centre Plans Social Security for Gig Workers

India is preparing social security benefits for gig and platform workers, including accident insurance, health coverage, maternity support, and old-age protection. The framework links the Social Security Code, 2020, the e-Shram portal, and the National Social Security Board for Gig and Platform Workers.

Gig and Platform Workers in India

Gig workers are persons engaged in short-term, task-based, or platform-mediated work. Platform workers provide services through digital intermediaries such as ride-hailing, food delivery, and home-service applications. The Social Security Code, 2020, recognises gig workers as a distinct category for welfare coverage.

Social Security Measures and Eligibility

The proposed welfare package includes accident insurance, health coverage, maternity support, and old-age protection. A proposed rule requires a gig worker to complete at least 90 days of work in a financial year, or 120 days for workers associated with multiple aggregators, to qualify for benefits. The Union Budget 2025-26 extended eligibility for gig workers under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides health cover up to Rs 5 lakh per year.

Funding, Registration, and Institutional Framework

Platform companies have been directed to integrate worker data with the e-Shram portal by 22 June 2026. The government is operationalising a Social Security Fund for financing welfare measures for gig and platform workers. The Social Security Code, 2020, authorises the government to require aggregators to contribute 1 to 2 per cent of annual turnover towards the fund, subject to a ceiling of 5 per cent of the amount payable to such workers.

Important Facts for Exams

• The e-Shram portal is a national database for unorganised workers in India.
• The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme for health insurance coverage.
• The Social Security Code, 2020, is one of the four labour codes enacted by Parliament.
• Gig and platform work are associated with digital labour platforms and app-based service delivery.

Labour Market Context

Nearly one crore workers are engaged in India’s gig and platform economy as of 29 May 2026. Government projections place the number at around 2.5 crore by the end of the decade.