India National Social Security Board: Gig Workers Get New Protections

• India's Ministry of Labour and Employment constituted the National Social Security Board for Unorganised, Gig, and Platform Workers on October 30, 2026.
• The Board operates under the Code on Social Security, 2020, which came into force on November 21, 2025, providing statutory recognition and social security provisions for these workers.
• Chaired by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Board includes diverse representatives from government, industry, and worker associations.
• Its core functions involve recommending social security schemes, advising the Central Government, and monitoring the implementation and expenditure of welfare programs.
• The Board aims to provide an institutional framework for coordinating and overseeing social security measures, including benefits like life insurance, health, and old-age protection.

The establishment of the National Social Security Board marks a pivotal step in advancing the social security framework envisioned under the Code on Social Security, 2020.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment in India officially announced the establishment of the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and Gig and Platform Workers on October 30, 2026. This significant development falls under the purview of the Code on Social Security, 2020, which aims to extend social security benefits to these often-overlooked segments of the workforce. The newly formed Board is tasked with a crucial mandate: to recommend and oversee welfare schemes specifically designed for unorganised, gig, and platform workers across the nation.

Leading this important initiative is Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Labour and Employment, who will serve as the Board's chairperson. Its composition is notably diverse, drawing members from various key stakeholders, including representatives from both Central and State Governments, aggregator companies, employers, civil society organizations, workers' unions, and associations representing gig and platform workers. This broad representation is intended to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing the unique challenges faced by these worker categories.

The foundation for this Board and its functions is firmly rooted in the Code on Social Security, 2020, a landmark legislation that came into effect on November 21, 2025. This Code was instrumental in providing statutory recognition to gig and platform workers for the first time, laying the groundwork for their social security entitlements. Specifically, Section 6 of the Code mandates the constitution of a National Social Security Board for unorganised workers.

Further expanding its scope, Section 114(6) of the Code stipulates that the Board established under Section 6 will also serve the welfare needs of gig workers and platform workers, with appropriate adjustments to its membership to reflect this broader mandate. Moreover, Section 114(1) empowers the Central Government to formulate and notify social security schemes for these workers, encompassing a wide array of benefits such as life and disability protection, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, old-age protection, crèche facilities, and other benefits as determined by the government.

The National Social Security Board is designed to be an active and influential body, with a clear operational framework. It is required to convene at least three times annually, adhering to specific procedural rules prescribed by the Central Government for its meetings. Its responsibilities are multifaceted, including recommending suitable social security schemes to the Central Government for various segments of unorganised, gig, and platform workers.

Beyond recommendations, the Board will play a vital advisory role, offering guidance to the Central Government on matters arising from the administration of the Code when referred to it. A key function involves monitoring the social welfare schemes administered by the Central Government for these worker categories. Additionally, it will review record-keeping functions at the State level, scrutinize expenditure from relevant funds and accounts, and undertake any other duties assigned by the Central Government. This comprehensive oversight ensures accountability and effective implementation of welfare measures.

The establishment of the National Social Security Board marks a pivotal step in advancing the social security framework envisioned under the Code on Social Security, 2020. By providing a dedicated institutional mechanism, the Board is poised to coordinate and oversee social security measures for millions of unorganised, gig, and platform workers across India. Its work is critical for translating the legislative intent of the Code into tangible benefits for these vulnerable worker groups.

Through its recommendations on welfare schemes, diligent monitoring of their implementation, and rigorous review of expenditure and State-level record-keeping, the Board will significantly contribute to strengthening the social safety net. This initiative underscores India's commitment to ensuring broader social protection, addressing the evolving nature of work, and integrating gig and platform workers into the formal social security system.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising companies that engage unorganised, gig, or platform workers in India must monitor the recommendations and activities of this newly constituted National Social Security Board. Its work will directly influence the development and implementation of new social security schemes, potentially leading to significant compliance obligations and changes in operational costs for businesses employing these worker categories.

Source: Original reporting via Ministry of Labour and Employment India