Gig workers get a seat at the table as Centre notifies social security boards

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has informed the National Social Security Board for unorganized workers and gig and platform workers, opening the door for crafting and executing welfare programs aimed at addressing the social security deficit faced by millions of gig and platform workers, in addition to traditional unorganized workers.

The Code on Social Security, implemented in November 2025, established these boards to advise the Centre on the design, implementation, and supervision of social welfare schemes for these workers. Led by the Labour and Employment Minister, the boards comprise representatives from central and state governments, leading aggregator companies, employers, civil society organizations, workers' unions, and gig and platform associations.

They are scheduled to convene at least three times annually to discuss matters and policies relevant to these workers. The National Social Security Boards will be tasked with creating suitable schemes for various segments of unorganized workers, gig workers, and platform workers, while also advising the central government on issues arising from the Social Security Code's administration.

Additionally, these boards will oversee social welfare schemes for unorganized workers, gig workers, and platform workers managed by the central government, and assess the record-keeping functions carried out at the state level. The Social Security Code consolidates nine existing Social Security Acts into a unified framework, ensuring comprehensive social protection for organized, unorganized, gig, and platform workers.

It also encourages streamlined business operations through digital records, decriminalizes certain offenses, and introduces a transparent, technology-driven inspector cum facilitator system.