India Gig Workers to Get Accident Insurance, Health Cover and Pension

Looking Ahead

The government is working under tight deadlines. The Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026, were notified on 8 May 2026. Aggregators have been given 45 days to upload worker details. The government is also designing specific schemes for accident and maternity benefits. While the framework is a historic first step, its success will depend on how well these challenges are addressed.

Exam-Focused Points

• Social Security Code, 2020  – one of four labour codes; came into force on 21 November 2025.

• Gig worker  – person engaged in short-term, task-based work outside traditional employer-employee relationship.

• Platform worker  – person providing services through digital intermediaries (e.g., ride-hailing, food delivery apps).

• e-Shram portal  – national database for unorganised workers; provides Universal Account Number (UAN).

• Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY  – provides health cover up to ₹5 lakh per year; extended to gig workers under Budget 2025-26.

• Eligibility  – 90 days with one aggregator or 120 days with multiple aggregators per financial year.

• Contribution  – aggregators must contribute 1-2% of annual turnover, capped at 5% of amount payable to workers.

• Penalty for delay  – 12% annual interest on overdue contributions.

• National Social Security Board for Gig and Platform Workers  – nodal body for policy formulation.

• Number of gig workers  – 1 crore currently; projected 2.5 crore by end of decade.

• Minimum age for registration  – 16 years.

• Age limit for benefits  – up to 60 years.

• Toll-free helpline  – 14434 for registration assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who is a gig worker?
A: A gig worker is a person who does short-term, task-based work outside a traditional employer-employee relationship. Examples include food delivery riders, cab drivers, and home-service providers working through apps.

Q2: How many days must a gig worker work to get benefits?
A: A worker must complete at least 90 days of work with one aggregator in a financial year, or 120 days cumulatively across multiple aggregators.

Q3: What is the e-Shram portal?
A: It is a national database for unorganised workers. Each registered worker gets a Universal Account Number (UAN) that stays with them for life, even if they change jobs or move to another city.

Q4: How much will aggregators contribute to the Social Security Fund?
A: Aggregators must contribute 1% to 2% of their annual turnover. This is capped at 5% of the total amount paid to workers. If they delay payment, they must pay 12% annual interest.

Q5: