In a major step toward protecting India’s rapidly growing gig workforce, the Central government has released a draft of the new Social Security Code Rules, 2025, proposing mandatory social security coverage for gig and platform workers associated with companies like Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Ola, Uber, and other aggregators.
Under the proposed rules, gig and platform workers will become eligible for social security benefits if they work for at least 90 days in a financial year with a single aggregator. If a worker is engaged with multiple aggregators, the eligibility threshold will extend to 120 days, calculated cumulatively across platforms.
When Does Eligibility Start?
One of the most significant changes is that a worker will be considered “engaged” from the very first day they start earning income, irrespective of the amount earned. This means even part-time or low-income gig workers will be counted from day one.
Interestingly, if a worker delivers for multiple platforms on the same day, each platform will count as a separate working day, accelerating eligibility for benefits.
Who Will Be Covered?
The draft rules clarify that eligibility will include gig and platform workers engaged:
-Directly by the aggregator
-Through subsidiaries or associate companies
-Via LLPs or third-party arrangements
This provision ensures that companies cannot bypass responsibility by outsourcing operations.
Mandatory Registration and Aadhaar Linking
All gig and platform workers above 16 years of age must register on a Central Government–designated portal using Aadhaar and self-declaration. Aggregators will be required to:
-Upload worker details on the portal
-Generate a Universal Account Number (UAN) or unique ID
-Register every new worker at the time of engagement
Once registered, workers will receive a digital identity card, downloadable from the portal, which will act as proof of eligibility for social security schemes.
Regular Data Updates Mandatory
To continue availing benefits, workers must regularly update their personal details such as:
-Address
-Occupation
-Mobile number
-Skill details
Failure to update information may result in loss of eligibility for benefits under the Social Security Code.
When Will Benefits Stop?
According to the draft:
Benefits will cease when a worker turns 60 years old, or
If the worker is not engaged with any aggregator for 90 days (or 120 days in case of multiple platforms) in the previous financial year
Aggregators will also be required to register themselves on the government portal to ensure compliance.
With millions of Indians dependent on gig work for livelihood, these proposed rules mark a historic shift in labour protection, aiming to provide social security, identity, and dignity to delivery agents, drivers, and other platform workers who form the backbone of India’s app-based economy.
The draft has been released for public comments, after which final rules are expected to be notified.
