Gig workers associated with platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy, Ola and Uber may receive better social security protection following a new government initiative. The Labour Ministry has announced the establishment of a National Social Security Board for unorganised sector workers and gig-platform employees under the Social Security Code.
The initiative aims to improve the financial and social security of people working in food delivery, cab services and other platform-based jobs. The proposed welfare measures include pension facilities, health benefits and insurance-related support.
National Social Security Board: What Will Change for Gig Workers?
The newly established board will focus on developing welfare programmes for gig workers and employees in the unorganised sector.
People working as delivery partners, online service providers and cab drivers often depend on platform-based employment. Through this initiative, the government aims to extend social security benefits to eligible workers and improve their access to welfare facilities.
The board will also work towards identifying workers’ needs and developing suitable policies to improve their financial security.
What Benefits Will Gig Workers Receive?
One of the key responsibilities of the board will be to develop new welfare schemes for gig and unorganised sector workers. These programmes may include pension benefits, healthcare facilities, insurance and other social security measures.
Apart from introducing new initiatives, the board will review the implementation of existing Central Government welfare schemes. Its objective will be to ensure that eligible workers receive the benefits available to them without unnecessary difficulties.
The board will also examine worker-related records and the utilisation of welfare funds across different states. This monitoring process is intended to improve transparency and accountability and ensure that allocated funds are used appropriately.
Board to Hold at Least Three Meetings Every Year
To maintain regular oversight of worker welfare programmes, the National Social Security Board will be required to conduct a minimum of three meetings every year.
These meetings will provide an opportunity to review existing welfare policies, discuss problems faced by gig workers and consider improvements to social security initiatives.
Regular discussions will also help the board assess whether the existing measures are reaching the intended beneficiaries.
Who Will Be Members of the National Social Security Board?
The National Social Security Board will be chaired by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
Its membership will include representatives from the Central and state governments, aggregator companies, civil society organisations and trade unions representing gig and platform workers.
The participation of different stakeholders is intended to ensure that the concerns of workers, companies and government authorities are considered while developing social security policies.
The initiative marks an important step towards addressing the welfare needs of India’s growing gig workforce, including delivery partners and app-based drivers.
Disclaimer: This article is published for general informational purposes only and is based on the information provided about the National Social Security Board. The availability of pension, insurance, healthcare and other welfare benefits will depend on official government guidelines, eligibility conditions and implementation procedures. Workers should refer to announcements from the Ministry of Labour and Employment for confirmed details. This website does not guarantee eligibility or approval for any government benefit.