Over 12 Lakh Gig Workers, 20 Aggregators Registered on e-Shram Portal
Around 12 lakh gig workers and 20 online aggregators have registered on the e-Shram portal, which is being developed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to create a national database of unorganised workers. The aggregators include major platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy, and Uber.
A ministry official stated that the on-boarding exercise is ongoing, with approximately 10 to 12 lakh unorganised workers and 20 aggregators already registered. However, the aggregators have not yet registered their entire workforce on the portal.
Social Security Benefits Under Code on Social Security, 2020
The government aims to provide social security benefits to gig and platform workers through the e-Shram portal, including accident insurance, health coverage, maternity support, and old-age protection. This is part of the framework under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
The Social Security Rules, 2026, notified on May 8, require aggregators to submit worker details via APIs or electronic systems within 45 days of the rules taking effect. The ministry noted that 18 days of the compliance period have already elapsed and urged platforms to complete the remaining formalities within the prescribed timeline to ensure uninterrupted data flow.
Aggregators Sought Extension, But Deadline Not Extended
Aggregators recently approached the ministry seeking an extension of the June 21 on-boarding deadline, citing lack of clarity on benefits. However, the deadline was not extended.
Once the national database is ready, the ministry will consult fund managers on the framework for delivering social benefits. Joint Secretary Ashutosh Pednekar said policymakers are balancing workers' demand for social security with industry concerns over flexibility in the fast-growing tech-driven sector.
Integration of Aggregator Databases with e-Shram
A key part of the government's strategy is integrating aggregator databases with the e-Shram portal to enable seamless access to welfare benefits. Pednekar explained that the databases will communicate with each other, allowing real-time tracking of benefits availed by workers. Workers will be able to digitally access details of their entitlements and usage through an app-based system.
Comparing e-Shram to India's digital public infrastructure, Pednekar said it has the potential to transform benefit delivery and improve portability of welfare schemes for workers across platforms. He added that the gig and platform economy has emerged as a major employment source, especially for youth, and is expected to play a larger role in the labour market in the coming years.
