Gig workers to get social security cover and other benefits: Know the terms and conditions

New Delhi(The Uttam Hindu): There's good news for gig and platform workers across the country. The central government has come up with a major proposal regarding social security for gig workers or platform workers. Under the new rules, Aadhaar registration, digital ID cards, and social security funds will be ensured for gig workers or platform workers. This step is considered crucial for delivery partners, cab drivers, freelancers, and app-based workers working in the unorganized sector.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment on Tuesday released draft rules under the Social Security Code (Central) Rules, 2025. These rules aim to provide health, insurance and other social security benefits to gig and platform workers.

New Draft Terms and Conditions

1. To qualify for benefits such as health, life, and personal accident insurance, gig workers must have worked for at least 90 days with a single aggregator. If a worker works with more than one aggregator, they must have worked for at least 120 days in the previous financial year.

2. A worker will be considered employed with an aggregator from the day they begin earning through it, regardless of their income. Any calendar day worked will count toward eligibility. If a worker works for multiple aggregators on the same day, the day will be considered for each aggregator.

3. Gig workers over the age of 16 must register using their Aadhaar number and other relevant documents. Aggregators must share gig workers' information on a central portal to issue a unique ID, or Universal Account Number.

4. Every eligible registered worker will be given a digital or physical identity card with photo, which can be downloaded from the central portal.

5. The central government will appoint an authorized agency or officer to collect contributions from aggregators. This amount will be deposited into a separate social security fund created for gig workers.

6. In case of completion of 60 years of age or not completing the minimum prescribed working period, the worker will not be eligible for the benefits of social security schemes.

Additionally, the central government will nominate five members on a rotating basis to the National Social Security Board for unorganized workers to ensure representation of gig and platform workers. Experts believe this proposal could be a historic step toward social security for the country's millions of gig workers.