Gig Workers to Need Minimum Engagement Period for Social Security Benefits
The Union labour ministry has proposed new eligibility conditions for gig and platform workers seeking social security benefits, introducing a minimum engagement period with digital aggregators. According to draft rules released for public comments on December 30, 2025, gig and platform workers must be engaged for at least 90 days with a single aggregator in a financial year to qualify for benefits. For workers operating across multiple platforms, the minimum threshold has been set at 120 days.
The notification came a day before gig and platform workers’ unions called for a nationwide strike on New Year’s Eve, demanding higher payouts, safer working conditions, and clearer social security protections. The timing of the draft rules has drawn attention, as labour groups continue to push for stronger safeguards for app-based workers.
Under the proposed framework, a worker will be considered “engaged” on any calendar day in which they earn income from an aggregator, regardless of the amount earned. The rules further clarify that engagement days will be counted cumulatively. If a worker is associated with more than one aggregator, days worked across platforms will be added together. Importantly, if a worker earns income from three aggregators on the same day, it will be counted as three separate engagement days.
The draft also expands the definition of eligible workers to include those engaged directly by an aggregator or through associate, subsidiary, holding companies, limited liability partnerships, or third-party arrangements. This aims to cover complex employment structures common in the gig economy.
In addition, the ministry has mandated registration of unorganised workers on the Centre’s designated portal. Registered workers will be issued a digital identity card carrying personal and work-related details. The ongoing e-Shram portal registration will serve as the national database, enabling access to social security schemes. Workers must regularly update their details, failing which they may lose eligibility.