The Government has undertaken a series of legislative, policy, and technology-led interventions to extend social security coverage to gig and platform workers, recognising their expanding role in India’s labour market. Central to this effort are the creation of a national worker database, statutory recognition under labour law, and the integration of welfare benefits.
This information was provided by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on January 29, 2026.
e-Shram Portal: National Database of Unorganised Workers
The Ministry of Labour and Employment launched the e-Shram portal (eshram.gov.in) on August 26, 2021, to create a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW). The portal covers unorganised workers, including gig workers, platform workers, and migrant workers. Key features include:
- Self-declaration-based registration
- Issuance of a Universal Account Number (UAN) to each registered worker
- A centralised database to facilitate targeted delivery of social security schemes
Aggregator Module for Platform Workers
To streamline the registration of platform workers engaged through digital aggregators, the Ministry launched an Aggregator Module on the e-Shram portal on December 12, 2024. The module enables:
- Registration of platform aggregators
- Systematic onboarding of platform workers
- Improved verification and data integration
As of date, 12 major aggregators have been onboarded: Zomato, Blinkit, Uncle Delivery, Urban Company, Uber, Amazon, Ola, Swiggy, Ecom Express, Rapido, Zepto, and Porter.
Statutory Recognition: Code on Social Security, 2020
For the first time, formal definitions of ‘gig workers’ and ‘platform workers’ have been incorporated in the Code on Social Security, 2020, which came into force on November 21, 2025. The Code provides for:
- Framing of dedicated social security schemes for gig and platform workers
- Coverage for:
- Life and disability benefits
- Accident insurance
- Health and maternity benefits
- Old-age protection
- Establishment of a Social Security Fund to finance these welfare measures
This represents a significant step toward mainstreaming non-traditional forms of work within India’s labour law framework.
Size and Growth of the Gig Workforce
According to NITI Aayog’s report, “India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy” (June 2022):
- The number of gig and platform workers stood at 7.7 million in 2020-21
- The workforce is projected to rise to 23.5 million by 2029-30
The projected growth highlights the importance of scalable and sustainable social security mechanisms.
Budget 2025-26 Welfare Announcements
In recognition of the contribution of platform workers, the Government announced several welfare measures in the Union Budget 2025-26, including:
- Mandatory registration on the e-Shram portal
- Issuance of identity cards
- Extension of healthcare coverage under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
Interoperability Between e-Shram and PMJAY
To enable seamless access to healthcare benefits, the Government has undertaken policy and technology interventions to ensure interoperability between e-Shram and PMJAY, including:
- Data mapping and validation
- Verification mechanisms
- Secure information exchange protocols
Nationwide Registration Drives and State Coordination
States and Union Territories have been sensitised to leverage the e-Shram portal for registering platform workers. To maximise coverage, three nationwide special registration drives were conducted during:
- April 2025
- May 2025
- August-September 2025
These drives were carried out in collaboration with State Governments and UT administrations.
Stakeholder Consultations
The Ministry has conducted multiple rounds of consultations with:
- Platform aggregators
- Knowledge partners
- Platform worker unions and associations
- State Governments and Union Territories
These deliberations are aimed at shaping a robust, inclusive, and implementable social security framework for gig and platform workers.
Conclusion
Through statutory recognition, digital infrastructure, and targeted welfare initiatives, the Government has laid the groundwork for extending comprehensive social security coverage to gig and platform workers. The integration of e-Shram with healthcare schemes, engagement with aggregators, and legal backing under the Social Security Code collectively reflect a structured approach to protecting a rapidly expanding segment of India’s workforce. (Source: PIB PR ID 2220307)