Centre sets up national social security board for gig and platform workers

The Union Labour Ministry has notified a National Social Security Board for unorganised workers and gig and platform workers under the Code on Social Security, 2020, the first national body set up to shape welfare schemes for delivery riders, cab drivers and others who find work through apps.

The board will be chaired by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment and will include representatives of the Centre and states, aggregator companies, employers, civil society groups, trade unions and gig and platform worker associations, the ministry said in a statement on Friday. It must meet at least three times a year.

Its job is to recommend welfare schemes for these workers, advise the Centre on running the code, monitor central schemes, and review state record-keeping and spending from the social security fund. The code, which came into force on November 21, 2025, requires eligible aggregators such as food-delivery, quick-commerce and ride-hailing platforms to contribute 1-2% of annual turnover, subject to a cap, Inc42 reported.

Under rules notified in May, platforms must upload details of their gig workers to the government's e-Shram portal. The government aims to bring 2.35 crore gig and platform workers under social security by 2029-30, The Peoples Board reported, citing The Tribune.