The central government is working to strengthen social security coverage for gig and platform workers by consulting fund managers and developing welfare schemes aimed at providing financial protection to one of the country’s fastest-growing segments of the workforce.

The move comes amid increasing focus on the challenges faced by gig workers, including income uncertainty, lack of traditional employment benefits, and concerns over rising living costs. Government officials say the initiative reflects the growing importance of the platform economy, which has emerged as a major source of employment across sectors such as food delivery, logistics, transportation, and digital services.

Speaking on the issue, Ashutosh AT Pednekar, Joint Secretary and Director General (Labor Welfare), said the government is in the process of creating multiple welfare schemes and engaging with fund managers to ensure their effective implementation. He noted that approximately one crore workers are currently employed in the gig and platform economy, with the number expected to grow significantly to around 2.5 crore by the end of the decade.

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Officials indicated that the proposed social security measures could include benefits related to accident coverage, maternity support, and other welfare protections that are typically unavailable to workers operating outside the formal employment framework. The government views these initiatives as essential for extending social protection to a rapidly expanding workforce segment.

The effort is linked to the implementation of the Code on Social Security and the planned operationalization of the National Social Security Board for gig and platform workers. Authorities believe the framework will provide a structured mechanism for addressing welfare concerns while ensuring that workers in the unorganized sector receive broader institutional support.

The government also plans to leverage the e-Shram portal, which maintains a database of workers and aggregators, to track benefits and improve delivery of welfare schemes. Officials say the platform will enable real-time monitoring of benefits received by workers, helping ensure transparency and efficient implementation as India’s gig economy continues to expand.

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