Govt of India to Extend Social Security Benefits to Gig and Platform Workers, Announces Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya

New Delhi: To protect the welfare of gig and platform workers, the Government of India has announced its commitment to extending social security benefits to this crucial section of the workforce. Union Minister for Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, made this announcement while chairing a review meeting in New Delhi today.

Dr. Mandaviya highlighted that the government is actively exploring various strategies to ensure that gig and platform workers—those who provide services through digital platforms—are included in social security schemes. “Our government is fully committed to the well-being of gig and platform workers, who form a vital part of our workforce,” he stated, underlining the government’s focus on ensuring fair treatment for all workers.

To streamline the implementation of social security measures, Dr. Mandaviya revealed that the government will facilitate worker registration on the eShram Portal. Aggregators, the companies that employ gig and platform workers, will be asked to take the lead in this process. “An online window will be made available for aggregators to ensure smooth and efficient registration of their workers,” the Minister announced, highlighting the digital-first approach to ease the process.

A key aspect of the initiative is the first-ever recognition of gig and platform workers under India’s Code on Social Security. “This marks a significant step towards acknowledging and formalizing the roles of gig and platform workers within our economy,” Dr. Mandaviya said. The inclusion of these workers under the Code is seen as a pivotal move to ensure they are no longer overlooked in social protection frameworks.

Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive growth, ensuring that every worker, irrespective of employment type, is granted the right to social security. “We are determined to ensure that every worker in India, irrespective of their employment status, is granted the right to social security,” he emphasized.

The Ministry of Labour & Employment is currently working with all stakeholders to develop a comprehensive framework that aligns with the evolving nature of work in India. Senior officials of the Ministry, including the Secretary, were also present at the meeting to discuss the next steps in rolling out this initiative.