India’s gig economy workers — including delivery partners, ride-hailing drivers, and platform-based freelancers — may soon have to meet a minimum work requirement to access social security benefits such as pension, health insurance, and accident cover. Under the new rules framed under the Code on Social Security, gig and platform workers must work at least 90 days in a financial year with a single aggregator to qualify for welfare benefits.

What the New Rule Says

According to the finalized framework, a gig worker must:

• Work for at least 90 days annually with one aggregator platform
• Or complete 120 days if working across multiple platforms

This rule will apply to workers associated with companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, Ola, and Rapido.

Why the government Introduced the Rule

The government says the aim is to ensure that social security benefits are provided to workers who are actively engaged in the gig economy rather than occasional users of wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW">digital platforms.

Officials believe the new system will help:

• Identify active gig workers
• Prevent misuse of welfare schemes
• Create a structured social security framework
• Improve accountability among aggregators

The move is part of broader labour reforms intended to formalize India’s rapidly expanding gig workforce.

Benefits Gig workers May Receive

Eligible workers may receive access to several welfare schemes, including:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Personal accident cover
• Disability support
• Pension-related benefits in future phases

The rules also require workers to register through the Aadhaar-linked e-Shram portal.

How Workdays Will Be Counted

The draft rules clarify that:

• Even earning income for a single day counts as one working day
• Workers active on multiple platforms can combine workdays
• Income amount does not matter for counting engagement days

This means part-time gig workers may still qualify if they consistently remain active throughout the year.

Concerns Raised by Gig Workers

While the announcement has been welcomed as a step toward worker welfare, several concerns have also emerged.

Fear of Exclusion

Some workers worry that those unable to complete 90 days due to illness, seasonal demand, or platform restrictions may lose access to benefits.

Risk of Platform Manipulation

Critics fear companies could reduce worker engagement before they cross eligibility thresholds to avoid contribution liabilities.

On social media and online forums, some users expressed concern that the rules may benefit companies more than workers.

Challenges for Multi-Platform Workers

Many gig workers switch between multiple apps depending on incentives and demand. Tracking cumulative workdays across platforms may become complicated.

Aggregators Face New Responsibilities

The new framework also places obligations on aggregator companies. Platforms will have to:

• Register workers on government portals
• Upload worker details within specified timelines
• Contribute toward social security funds
• Maintain records of worker engagement

Companies failing to comply may data-face penalties and interest charges.

A Major Shift in India’s Gig Economy

For the first time, gig and platform workers are being formally brought under a structured social security system. Experts say this marks a major policy shift in recognizing app-based workers as an important part of the labour force.

India’s gig workforce is expected to grow rapidly over the coming years, making welfare protections increasingly important.

Conclusion

The new 90-day eligibility rule signals the government’s attempt to balance worker welfare with structured regulation of the gig economy. While the reforms could provide long-awaited financial and insurance protection to millions of workers, concerns remain about implementation, eligibility barriers, and platform accountability. For gig workers, staying registered and maintaining active work records may soon become essential for accessing pension and insurance benefits.

 

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