**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1303, addressed on July 28, 2025, the Ministry of Labour and Employment outlines the government's plan for the social security of gig workers. The Code on Social Security, 2020, already enacted by the Parliament, defines gig workers and platform workers and establishes provisions for social security measures related to life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, and old age protection. Furthermore, the Government's Budget Announcement for the financial year 2025-26 includes key welfare measures such as registration on the eShram portal, issuance of identity cards, and extension of healthcare benefits under the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
Key Entities Referenced
LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for labour and employment policies and regulations.
SMT. MALA ROY: A member of the Lok Sabha who raised a question about the social security of gig workers.
SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE: Minister of State for Labour and Employment who provided the answer to the question.
Code on Social Security, 2020: A law enacted by the Parliament of India that includes provisions for the social security of gig workers and platform workers.
Parliament: The legislative body of the Government of India.
Budget Announcement for financial year 202526: The Government of India's budget announcement for the financial year 2025-2026, which includes measures for the welfare of gig workers.
eShram portal: A portal for the registration of gig workers and platform workers.
Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana ABPMJAY: A health insurance scheme that provides health care benefits. This is extended to Gig workers.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1303
TO BE ANSWERED ON 28.07.2025
SOCIAL SECURITY OF GIG WORKERS
1303. SMT. MALA ROY:
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to
state:
(a)whether the Government has any plan about gig workers for their
social security;
(b)if so, the details thereof; and
(c)if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)
(a) to (c): 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 been
enacted by the Parliament.
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 Government in its Budget Announcement for financial
year 2025-26 has announced several key measures for the welfare of
Gig workers of online platforms (platform workers) viz. their
registration on the e-Shram portal, issuance of identity cards, and
extension of health care benefits under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan
Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
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