Millions of people working as delivery partners, cab drivers, freelance service providers and other app-based professionals depend on daily earnings without enjoying all the social security benefits associated with traditional employment.

To address this gap, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the constitution of the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and Gig and Platform Workers on October 30, 2026.

The development is significant for India's growing gig economy because the board will help recommend, monitor and review welfare measures for workers who often operate outside conventional employer-employee arrangements.

What Is the New National Social Security Board?

The board has been established under the Code on Social Security, 2020. It will include representatives from the Central and State Governments, aggregator companies, employers, civil society organisations, workers' unions and gig worker associations.

The Union Labour and Employment Minister will preside over the board.

Its responsibilities will include:

• Recommending suitable social security schemes for gig and unorganised workers.

• Advising the Central Government on worker welfare.

• Monitoring government social welfare programmes.

• Reviewing state-level worker records.

• Examining expenditure from the relevant social security funds.

The board is required to meet at least three times a year.

Which Workers Can Benefit From This Initiative?

The framework covers different categories of workers, including:

1. Food delivery partners working with platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato.

2. Quick-commerce delivery partners working with Blinkit, Zepto and similar services.

3. Cab and bike taxi drivers associated with online platforms.

4. Freelancers providing services through digital platforms.

5. Other eligible workers engaged in unorganised employment.

Gig workers generally earn through individual assignments or work arrangements outside the traditional employer-employee relationship. Platform workers perform services through or with online platforms.

What Social Security Benefits Are Envisaged?

The Code on Social Security provides for the development of welfare schemes covering areas such as:

• Life and disability protection.

• Accident insurance.

• Health and maternity benefits.

• Old-age protection.

• Crèche facilities.

However, an important distinction must be understood: the notification establishing the board does not itself announce a new cash benefit, fixed monthly pension or automatic insurance payment for every gig worker. The board's role is to recommend and monitor suitable welfare schemes.

How Can Gig Workers Register on the e-Shram Portal?

Workers who are not registered on the government's e-Shram portal can explore registration to create an official record in the National Database of Unorganised Workers.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website: https://eshram.gov.in/

2. Select the registration option.

3. Enter the required Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

4. Complete OTP verification.

5. Provide the requested personal and occupational details.

6. Submit the information and obtain your Universal Account Number (UAN).

Workers should enter accurate information about their occupation and keep their registration details updated.

Those who do not have access to the required online facilities can seek assistance from an authorised Common Service Centre.

Can Delivery Partners Get Ayushman Bharat Health Benefits?

The government has previously announced measures to facilitate the extension of healthcare benefits under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to eligible gig and platform workers.

Registration on e-Shram is an important part of the identification and verification process. However, e-Shram registration alone should not be treated as confirmation of PM-JAY eligibility. Workers should check their eligibility through the official beneficiary services.

What Should Gig Workers Do Now?

The notification is an important institutional step towards strengthening social security for India's informal and platform-based workforce. Workers should ensure that their e-Shram information is accurate, retain their UAN details and follow official announcements regarding new welfare schemes.

As the newly constituted board begins its work, its recommendations and subsequent government notifications will determine how social security benefits are expanded and implemented for gig workers across the country.