New Delhi: Gig and platform workers must work for at least 90 days annually with a single aggregator to qualify for social security benefits under the final rules of the new Code on Social Security (CoSS). For those engaged with multiple aggregators, the threshold rises to 120 days. This decision will impact workers on platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, Ola, and Rapido.
State-Level Implementation
The central rules pave the way for states to notify their own regulations, drawing from the central framework. Under the CoSS, an eligible gig or platform worker includes those engaged directly by the aggregator or through an associate, holding, or subsidiary company, or via a third party. Any income earned from an aggregator on a given day counts as one day of engagement with that platform.
Multiple Platforms
For workers on multiple platforms, workdays are cumulative. For instance, earning from three aggregators in a single calendar day will be counted as three days of engagement. This cumulative counting applies across platforms.
Aggregator Responsibilities
The rules mandate that aggregators upload details of every gig worker engaged with them on the central government portal within 45 days. This includes registering all new appointments and exits on a real-time or daily basis. The goal is to issue identity cards to each eligible registered gig and platform worker.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Aggregators face an annual interest of 12% if they fail to contribute towards social security benefits for registered gig workers. Specifically, if an aggregator fails to pay any contribution under sub-section (4) of section 114 within the specified time, they must pay interest at 1% per month or part thereof from the due date until actual payment.
Eligibility Criteria
A gig worker ceases to be eligible for social security benefits—such as health insurance, life insurance, and accident insurance—upon turning 60 years old. Additionally, eligibility is lost if the worker has not completed at least 90 days of work with one aggregator, or 120 days across multiple aggregators, during the previous financial year.
