Draft regulations for India's new labour codes have proposed a minimum engagement period for gig and platform workers to qualify for crucial social security benefits. The rules, released for public feedback, outline the operational framework for extending welfare measures to this growing workforce.
Key Eligibility Thresholds for Benefits
The draft notification specifies that a gig or platform worker must be engaged with a single aggregator for at least 90 days within a financial year to become eligible for social security provisions. For workers who take up assignments through multiple platforms, this cumulative threshold is set higher, at 120 days across all aggregators in the same period.
The rules treat a worker as 'engaged' from the very first day they start earning an income, irrespective of the amount. Crucially, if a worker is associated with several aggregators, their working days will be counted cumulatively. For instance, if a worker performs tasks for three different platforms on a single day, it will be counted as three days of engagement towards meeting the eligibility criteria.
Registration and Universal Account Number
The framework mandates that all gig and platform workers above the age of 16 must have an Aadhaar-linked registration. Every aggregator is required to share the details of their workers on a central government-designated portal. This will facilitate the generation of a universal account number for each worker, unless they are already registered.
Following registration, every eligible worker will be issued an identity card, which could be digital or physical. The Labour Ministry has already begun registering gig workers on the 'e-Shram' portal, and they will be integrated into the 'Ayushman Bharat' health protection scheme.
Scope of Benefits and Governance
Under the new labour codes, aggregators are mandated to provide social security for eligible workers. This includes health insurance, life cover, and personal accident insurance, along with other schemes the government may propose. There is also a provision for a future pension model based on contributions from both the platforms and the workers themselves.
The draft rules also detail the composition of a National Social Security Board. This board will be tasked with estimating the number of gig and platform workers, recognising new types of aggregators, and formulating welfare policies. It will include five representatives each from associations of unorganised sector workers and employers, nominated by the government.
A worker will cease to be eligible for these social security benefits upon turning 60 years old. Eligibility will also lapse if they fail to meet the minimum engagement days (90 or 120) with an aggregator in the previous financial year.
