In a milestone reform aimed at bridging the social security gap across India’s vast informal economy, the Ministry of Labour & Employment officially notified the constitution of the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and Gig & Platform Workers.
Established under the statutory framework of the Code on Social Security, the move brings millions of delivery riders, app-based drivers, freelance platform professionals, and traditional unorganised workers directly into the country’s formal welfare architecture.
The board signifies a structural transition in Indian labour policy, creating a dedicated statutory mechanism to craft policy, monitor fund allocations, and deliver health, life, and retirement protections tailored to flexible and non-traditional working arrangements.
Multi-Stakeholder Governance & Tripartite Structure
Presided over by the Union Minister for Labour & Employment, the newly constituted Board brings together key ecosystem stakeholders to ensure balanced representation:
-
Government Officials: Delegates from relevant Central Ministries and State Governments.
-
Industry & Aggregators: Prominent digital aggregator companies and platform employers.
-
Worker Representatives: Leaders from trade unions, civil society organisations, and dedicated gig & platform worker associations.
Under the notified rules, the National Social Security Board will convene at least three times a year to deliberate on welfare policies, inspect social security expenditures, and evaluate implementation frameworks.
Core Statutory Mandates
The official notification outlines six operational and advisory functions assigned to the Board:
-
Policy Recommendation: Design and recommend targeted social security schemes addressing the distinct needs of unorganised, gig, and platform workers.
-
Administrative Guidance: Advise the Central Government on legislative and operational matters arising from the implementation of the Code on Social Security.
-
Scheme Supervision: Continuously monitor central social welfare programs designated for informal and platform workforce segments.
-
State-Level Audit: Review record-keeping functions and digital registry management executed across State jurisdictions.
-
Financial Governance: Audit and review expenditures, account allocations, and disbursements from dedicated welfare funds.
-
Adaptive Mandates: Execute supplementary welfare and administrative functions assigned by the Central Government as the gig economy evolves.
By establishing direct representation for aggregator platforms alongside worker associations, the government aims to establish sustainable, co-funded safety nets that account for the rapid expansion of India’s platform economy.
