The Union Ministry of Labour has made important preparations for gig workers such as app-based delivery partners, cab drivers, and freelancers.
The ministry has proposed that gig workers must work for a minimum number of days each year to be eligible for social security benefits.
This proposal is part of the draft rules under the Social Security Code, 2020, which were released on December 31. The government has invited suggestions from stakeholders on these draft rules.
Earlier, on November 21, 2025, the government notified four new labour laws, including the Social Security Code, 2020.
Minimum Work Requirement Explained
According to the draft rules, a gig or platform worker will be eligible for social security schemes if:
They have worked at least 90 days in the previous financial year with one company or one app, or
They have worked with more than one company or app, but for a total of at least 120 days during the year.
The ministry has clarified that income does not matter when counting working days. Any amount of work done on a day will be treated as a full working day.
For example:
If a delivery partner or cab driver completes even one order or one trip on a day, that day will be counted as a working day.
If a person works for three different apps on the same day, it will be counted as three separate working days.
Who Is Considered a Gig Worker?
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has stated that the definition of gig workers will include those working:
Directly for companies, or
Through partner companies or agencies.
Every company will be required to regularly update details of its gig and temporary workers on a government portal. If a company fails to update this information, the worker may not be able to receive social security benefits.
Registration, ID Card, and Social Security Fund
Under the new rules:
All gig workers aged 16 years and above must register on a designated government portal.
Registration will require documents such as Aadhaar.
After registration, workers will receive a digital identity card, which can be downloaded from the portal.
A separate social security fund will be created for gig workers. Companies will deposit their contributions into this fund. If a company delays these payments, it will have to pay 1% interest per month on the pending amount.
