Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) parliamentarian Raghav Chadha has described the Central Government's newly drafted social security rules for gig and platform workers as a "small but important win." The leader, a long-time advocate for the rights of this workforce, shared the news on social media platform X, directly addressing delivery partners and gig workers across the country.
A Step Towards Recognition and Dignity
In his post on Sunday, Chadha stated that the draft rules mark the first concrete step towards legal recognition, protection, and dignity for the work performed by millions of gig workers. He took a pointed dig at major delivery and service platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and Blinkit, accusing them of ignoring worker voices. "Even though the Platforms chose not to listen to your voices, the people of this country and the government did," he asserted.
Chadha emphasized that this development was a result of collective advocacy. "This happened not just because I raised your concerns as a Parliamentarian, but also because you raised your voices," he said in a video message, crediting the workers themselves for the progress.
What the New Draft Rules Propose
The rules are framed under the Code on Social Security, 2020, which officially came into force on November 21, 2025. For the first time, the Code provides clear definitions for 'gig workers' and 'platform workers' and outlines provisions for their welfare.
Key provisions highlighted include:
- Legal recognition and a unique identity for every registered gig worker.
- The creation of a Social Security Fund to finance welfare schemes covering life and disability insurance, accident cover, health and maternity benefits, and old age protection.
- The establishment of a National Social Security Board specifically for the welfare of gig and platform workers.
The draft rules specify eligibility criteria, stating that a worker must have been engaged with an aggregator for at least 90 days (or 120 days across multiple platforms) in the last financial year to qualify for benefits.
Integration with Existing Government Initiatives
The rules are designed to integrate with existing digital infrastructure. The e-Shram portal, launched on August 26, 2021, serves as the national database for unorganised workers, including gig workers. It provides a Universal Account Number (UAN) upon self-registration.
Further, the Ministry of Labour and Employment enhanced this portal into an 'One-Stop-Solution' on October 21, 2024, aiming to integrate various social security schemes under a single digital roof.
The draft rules were pre-published by the ministry last Thursday to solicit feedback from stakeholders. The government's intent is to fully operationalize all four labour codes nationwide from April 1, 2026.
While celebrating the draft as a victory, Chadha framed it as the beginning of a longer journey to secure comprehensive rights and social security for India's growing gig economy workforce.
