The Indian government has announced that gig and platform workers will now receive formal legal recognition, portable social security benefits, and a national registration framework through the e-Shram portal.
This comes under the Code on Social Security, 2020, part of the new labour codes.
Social Security Benefits for Gig Workers
Under the new rules, aggregators (like ride-sharing and delivery platforms) must contribute 1–2% of their annual turnover to a Social Security Fund, capped at 5% of payments made to workers.
This fund will cover welfare schemes that provide accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, and other social protections.
Previously, workers bore all risks themselves, with no obligation on platforms to support their welfare.
e-Shram Registration and Portable Rights
Workers can self-register on the e-Shram portal and receive a unique Aadhaar-linked ID.
This ID ensures:
Portability of benefits across jobs and platforms
Continuous social security coverage
Access to targeted welfare programs and skill development initiatives
The national database also helps policymakers design better support systems for gig and platform workers.
Legal Protection and Grievance Redressal
The new labour codes formally define key terms such as “aggregator,” “gig worker,” and “platform work”, bringing these workers under the ambit of social security and legal protection.
Previously, gig workers had no access to formal labour laws or structured grievance mechanisms.
Under the new codes, the government may set up toll-free helplines, call centres, or facilitation centres to address grievances and provide timely support.
This reform transforms informal work into a secure, recognised, and sustainable livelihood, ensuring that millions of gig and platform workers in India now have legal and social safeguards for the first time.
