Parliament Question: Social Security for Gig and Platform Workers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5891 TO BE ANSWERED ON 30.03.2026 SOCIAL SECURITY FOR GIG AND PLATFORM WORKERS 5891. SHRI BIPLAB KUMAR DEB: Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state: (a) the details of progress made in framing and implementing social security provisions for gig and platform workers under the Code on Social Security; (b) the details of number of such workers registered on relevant portals, including e-Shram and the benefits extended to them; (c) the details of framework for aggregator contributions towards social security funds; and (d) whether any timeline has been fixed for full operationalisation of the said provisions and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE) (a) to (d): For the first time the definition of ‘gig workers’ and ‘platform workers’ and provisions related to the same have been provided in the Code on Social Security, 2020 which has come into force on 21.11.2025. The Code provides for framing of suitable social security measures for gig workers and platform workers on matters relating to life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, old age protection, etc. The Code provides for setting up of a Social Security Fund to finance these welfare schemes for which one of the sources is contribution from aggregators between 1 to 2% of annual turnover of an aggregator subject to the limit of 5% of the amount paid or payable by an aggregator to such workers. The Code also has provisions to constitute a National Social Security Board for the purposes of the welfare of gig workers and platform workers. To maximise registration of platform workers on e-Shram portal, three nationwide special registration drives were held during the months of April, May and August-September, 2025 in collaboration with States and Union Territories. As on 23.03.2026, over 8.89 lakh platform workers are registered on eShram portal. *****