For the first time, the definition of ‘gig workers’ and ‘platform workers’ and provisions related to the same have been provided in the Code on Social Security, 2020 which has come into force on 21.11.2025.

The Code provides for framing of suitable social security measures for gig workers and platform workers on matters relating to life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, old age protection, etc. The Code provides for setting up a Social Security Fund to finance the welfare schemes. The Code also has provisions to constitute a National Social Security Board for the welfare of gig workers and platform workers.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment had launched e-Shram portal on 26.08.2021 for creation of a Comprehensive National Database of Unorganized Workers including platform workers, migrant workers etc.  The e-Shram portal is meant to register and support the unorganized workers by providing them a Universal Account Number (UAN) on a self- declaration basis. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has also launched the e-Shram- ‘One-Stop-Solution’ on 21.10.2024 that entails integration of different social security/welfare schemes at single portal i.e., e-Shram. This is envisaged to enable unorganized workers registered on e-Shram to access social security schemes and see benefits availed by them so far, through e-Shram.

As per an estimation by NITI Aayog vide its report titled “India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy” published in June, 2022, the number of gig workers and platform workers, in the country was 7.7 million in 2020-21, which is expected to rise to 23.5 million by 2029-30.

Recognizing the contribution of gig workers of online platforms (platform workers), the Government in its Budget Announcement for the financial year 2025-26 has announced several key measures for their welfare viz. registration on the e-Shram portal, issuance of identity cards, and extension of healthcare benefits under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

To maximize the registration of platform workers on e-Shram portal, three nationwide campaigns have been launched and around 5.12 lakh platform workers are registered as on 01.12.2025.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment Sushri Shobha Karandlaje in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

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Rini Choudhury/Anjelina Alexander

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