The government is working on a major social security plan for gig and platform workers, a move that could benefit millions of people working through apps and digital platforms.
Workers associated with food delivery, ride-hailing, e-commerce, and other platform-based services may soon receive benefits such as accident insurance, health coverage, maternity support, and old-age protection.
The announcement was made by a senior Labour Ministry official during a stakeholder consultation held at FICCI.
Nearly 1 Crore Workers Could Benefit
According to Ashutosh Pednekar, Joint Secretary and Director General (Labour Welfare) at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the gig economy has become an important source of jobs in India.
He said nearly one crore workers are currently employed in the sector, and the number could grow to around 2.5 crore by the end of this decade.
With the sector expanding rapidly, the government is now working to provide better social security and welfare support for these workers.
National Social Security Board to Be Activated
The government has received approval to operationalize the National Social Security Board for Gig and Platform Workers.
This board will focus on designing and implementing welfare measures specifically for workers in the gig economy.
At the same time, the government is also moving ahead with the implementation of provisions under the Code on Social Security through new rules and support mechanisms.
What Benefits Could Gig Workers Get?
The government is considering a wide range of welfare benefits for gig and platform workers.
Some of the key benefits being planned include:
Accident insurance coverage
Health benefits
Maternity support
Old-age protection and pension-related benefits
Cash assistance in certain situations
Educational loan support
Funeral expense assistance
Officials said discussions are underway to finalize the structure of these schemes and determine how they will be funded and delivered.
e-Shram Integration Becomes a Key Focus
A major part of the government’s plan involves connecting platform companies with the e-Shram portal.
The idea is to create a system where the databases of aggregators and e-Shram can work together seamlessly.
This would allow workers to access benefits more easily and help authorities track the welfare schemes they have received.
Officials say workers will eventually be able to view their benefits, eligibility status, and usage records through a digital platform or mobile app.
Platform Companies Asked to Act Before June 22
The Labour Ministry has urged platform companies to complete their integration with the e-Shram portal before June 22.
According to officials, the government is working under tight timelines to roll out the system and ensure workers can start receiving benefits as quickly as possible.
The integration is expected to play a crucial role in building a more organized and transparent welfare framework for gig workers.
Balancing Worker Protection and Industry Growth
While workers have been demanding stronger social security protections, the government is also trying to address concerns raised by companies operating in the gig economy.
Officials say the goal is to provide adequate protection to workers without affecting the flexibility that has helped the sector grow rapidly.
As gig and platform jobs continue to expand across India, the proposed social security measures could become one of the biggest welfare initiatives for the country’s growing digital workforce.
If implemented successfully, millions of delivery partners, drivers, freelancers, and platform workers could gain access to benefits that were previously available mainly to workers in the formal sector.
