Centre Proposes Minimum Work Threshold for Gig Workers’ Social Security Benefits

Draft rules set 90–120 day engagement requirement; invite public feedback amid worker unrest

The Union labour ministry has proposed new eligibility conditions for gig and platform workers to access social security benefits, introducing minimum work thresholds that would require sustained engagement with digital aggregators within a financial year.

The draft rules, notified on December 30, 2025, were released for public consultation just a day before gig and platform workers across several cities planned a New Year’s Eve strike, calling for higher payouts, job security and better working conditions.

What the Draft Rules Propose

Under the proposed framework, gig and platform workers would need to be engaged with an aggregator for at least 90 days in a financial year to qualify for social security benefits created by the Centre. For workers operating across multiple platforms, the threshold rises to a cumulative 120 days.

The draft clarifies that “engagement” is counted on a per-day basis. A worker is considered engaged for a full day if they earn any income—regardless of the amount—from an aggregator for work performed on that calendar day.

The rules further explain how engagement will be calculated:

• If a worker earns income from one aggregator on a given day, it counts as one day of engagement.

• If a worker operates across multiple aggregators, engagement days are added cumulatively.

• If a worker earns income from three different aggregators on the same day, it will be counted as three separate engagement days.

The eligibility definition also extends to workers engaged not only directly by an aggregator but also through associated entities such as subsidiaries, holding companies, limited liability partnerships or third-party contractors.

Registration and Digital Identity

The draft rules reiterate mandatory registration of unorganised workers on the Centre’s designated digital platform. Each eligible registered worker would be issued a digital identity card containing their photograph and other details as prescribed by the central government.

This process is already underway through the e-Shram portal, which functions as the national database for unorganised workers, including gig and platform workers. Registration on the portal is intended to formally recognise workers and enable access to social security schemes.

Obligation to Keep Records Updated

Workers registered on the portal will be required to periodically update personal and professional information such as address, occupation, mobile number and skills. The draft rules warn that failure to keep these details current could result in workers being deemed ineligible for benefits under social security schemes.

Why the Proposal Matters

The proposed thresholds have sparked debate among labour experts and worker collectives. Supporters argue that minimum engagement periods help ensure benefits reach those with sustained dependence on platform work. Critics, however, say the rules may exclude a large segment of gig workers whose incomes are irregular or seasonal, particularly those juggling multiple platforms or facing fluctuating demand.

The timing of the notification—on the eve of a nationwide protest—has further sharpened scrutiny of the government’s approach to regulating platform-based work.

The labour ministry has invited public comments on the draft rules, after which the final framework will be notified. The outcome is expected to shape the future of social security coverage for millions of gig and platform workers in India’s rapidly expanding digital economy.