NEW DELHI: Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Saturday welcomed the Centre’s move to release draft Social Security Rules for gig workers under the new labour codes, calling it a first step towards “recognition, protection and dignity” for their work. The Ministry of Labour and Employment earlier this week released the draft Code on Social Security (Central) Rules, 2025, detailing the eligibility norms and safeguards for gig and platform workers to access social security benefits.
“Congratulations to all gig workers and delivery partners. The Central government’s draft Social Security Rules are the first step towards recognition, protection and dignity for your work. Even though platforms like Zomato, Swiggy and Blinkit chose not to listen to your voices, the people of this country and the government did. This is a small but important win,” Chadha said in a post on X. Chadha, who has consistently raised issues concerning gig workers in Parliament, said the draft rules were the result of collective efforts. “These rules were not framed only because I raised the issue in Parliament. It happened because gig workers also raised their voices. The companies did not listen, but the government did, and that should be welcomed,” he said in a video message. According to Chadha, the new rules provide legal recognition to gig workers and propose the issuance of a unique identity for them. During the recent Parliament session, the AAP leader spoke about the “pain and misery” faced by gig workers, highlighting the pressures of long working hours and exposure to harsh weather conditions. He also demanded regulation of quick commerce and other app-based service platforms, stressing the need for fair pay, dignity and social protection. For the first time, the Code on Social Security, 2020 — which came into force on November 21, 2025 — defines ‘gig workers’ and ‘platform workers’ and lays down provisions for their welfare. The Code provides for social security measures including life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, and old-age protection. It also предусматри the creation of a Social Security Fund and a National Social Security Board for the welfare of gig and platform workers. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has also taken steps to strengthen coverage for unorganised workers through the e-Shram portal, launched on August 26, 2021, to create a comprehensive national database of unorganised workers, including gig and migrant workers. The ministry further launched the e-Shram ‘One-Stop Solution’ on October 21, 2024, integrating multiple social security and welfare schemes on a single platform to support unorganised workers across the country.
