The Indian government has announced the final rules under the new Social Security Code for gig and platform workers. These rules will affect people working with companies like Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
Under the new system, workers will now need to complete a minimum number of working days every year to receive social security benefits. These benefits include health insurance, life insurance, and accident insurance.
The new rules may become a challenge for people who use these platforms mainly for part-time work.
Minimum Working Days Now Mandatory
According to reports, the government has fixed different work limits depending on how many platforms a worker uses.
Workers connected with only one platform, such as only Zomato, must work at least 90 days in a year.
Workers using more than one platform, such as both Ola and Uber, will need to complete at least 120 working days annually.
The rules also mention that if a worker earns money from three different companies in a single day, that day will be counted as three separate working days.
Companies Will Face Strict Rules
The government has also placed new responsibilities on platform companies, also called aggregators.
Companies must upload details of every gig worker on the central government portal within 45 days. They will also have to report new joinings and exits daily or in real time.
After registration, eligible workers will receive a unique ID card from the government.
If a company fails to deposit its contribution to the Social Security Fund, it may face a penalty with 12% annual interest, which equals 1% interest every month.
No Social Security Benefits After 60
The new rules clearly state that gig workers will stop receiving social security benefits after turning 60 years old.
This means benefits like health insurance, life insurance, and accident insurance will no longer be available after that age.
Also, workers who fail to complete the required 90 or 120 working days in the previous financial year may lose their eligibility for these benefits.
States Can Introduce Their Own Rules
The central government’s rules will act as a framework for all states.
After these rules are officially implemented, state governments will be able to create and apply their own social security policies for gig workers based on the central guidelines.
