The Union Ministry of Labour has introduced a visionary set of draft rules aimed at providing a stable social security net for the nation’s vital gig and platform workforce. This milestone proposal reflects a growing commitment to the welfare of individuals working with platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and Amazon, ensuring they receive the recognition and protection they deserve.
The proposed framework creates a structured and attainable path for workers to access essential benefits. Under these rules, gig workers who engage with a single aggregator for at least 90 days within a financial year will become eligible for social security schemes. For those who contribute their talents across multiple platforms, the eligibility threshold is set at 120 days of engagement.
To ensure the system is as inclusive as possible, the ministry has defined a work day with great flexibility. A worker is considered engaged for a full day if they earn any income from an aggregator on that calendar day, regardless of the specific amount earned. Furthermore, for those multitasking across different apps, the engagement days are counted cumulatively. This means that if a dedicated individual performs tasks for three different aggregators on the same day, it counts as three days toward their total eligibility.
A core feature of this initiative is the formal recognition of unorganised workers through a streamlined registration process. By registering on a central portal such as e-Shram, eligible workers will be issued a digital identity card. This card, which includes a photograph and essential details, serves as an official credential to help them access various government benefits with ease.
The rules also encourage workers to stay active in managing their profiles by regularly updating their information. This ensures that the system remains accurate and that support reaches those who need it most. By bridging the gap between flexible work and formal security, this proposal marks a bright future for the millions of people who power India’s digital economy.