The Government has extended social security coverage to gig and platform workers for the first time under the Code on Social Security, 2020, which came into force on 21 November 2025. The Code introduces provisions for life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, and old-age protection, supported through a dedicated Social Security Fund and a National Social Security Board. To enable seamless access to welfare schemes, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has developed the e-Shram portal and the e-Shram One-Stop Solution, integrating multiple benefits under a single platform. As per NITI Aayog’s estimates, India had 7.7 million gig/platform workers in 2020-21, projected to grow to 23.5 million by 2029-30. The Government has also announced measures such as e-Shram registration, ID issuance, and healthcare benefits under AB-PMJAY, with over 5.12 lakh platform workers registered as of 1 December 2025.
