Draft Social Security Code Rules Propose New Eligibility Norms for Gig and Platform Workers

Centre Unveils Draft Social Security Code Rules

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has released draft rules under the Social Security Code that could significantly reshape welfare coverage for gig and platform workers across India. Issued for public consultation, the proposal seeks to operationalise social security provisions for workers engaged with food delivery, quick commerce and ride-hailing platforms, while also defining compliance responsibilities for aggregators.

Minimum Engagement Thresholds Defined

Under the draft, gig and platform workers will qualify for social security benefits only if they are engaged for at least 90 days with an aggregator during a financial year. For workers associated with more than one aggregator, the threshold increases to 120 days. Crucially, the rules clarify that engagement begins from the first day a worker earns income, regardless of the amount, ensuring early workdays are counted.

Cumulative Counting Across Platforms

A key reform is cumulative counting of workdays for multi-platform workers. If a worker operates on multiple platforms—such as food delivery and quick commerce—on the same day, each engagement will be counted separately. This provision is expected to help workers who split time across platforms reach eligibility thresholds faster.

Registration, Aadhaar Linking and Identity Cards

All gig and platform workers above 16 years of age must register on a central portal using Aadhaar-based self-declaration. Aggregators are required to upload worker details, generate a Universal Account Number, and complete registration at onboarding. Registered workers will receive a digital or physical identity card, enabling access to notified welfare schemes.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Social Security Code is one of four Labour Codes consolidating labour laws

• Gig and platform workers fall under the unorganised sector

• Eligibility requires 90 days (single aggregator) or 120 days (multiple aggregators)

• Aadhaar-based registration is mandated under Section 113 of the Code

Impact and Relevance

The draft rules increase compliance obligations for aggregators while extending formal social security to a rapidly expanding gig workforce. Workers will lose eligibility on attaining 60 years of age or after prolonged disengagement, reinforcing continuity of work as a key criterion.