On December 1, 2025, reports from New Delhi suggested that the Union Labour Ministry is developing a national framework for gig and platform workers under the newly notified Labour Codes. The goal is to establish a uniform social security standard for millions of app-based workers across India, instead of leaving platforms to navigate through a labyrinth of varying state laws. The blueprint, drawing from the Code on Social Security, 2020, and earlier proposals, is expected to clarify definitions of gig and platform work, set norms for aggregator contributions to welfare funds, and standardize registration processes via portals like e-Shram. Aggregators have reportedly been advocating for clarity, arguing that managing compliance is impossible if each state creates its own radically different obligations.
For workers, the prospect of a national framework elicits a combination of hope and skepticism. Hope, because many currently manage multiple platforms and cities with little clarity on their registration, the benefits they can claim, or whether contributions made in one state can be transferred to another. Skepticism, because previous experiences with welfare boards and schemes have often resulted in complex paperwork, low awareness, and benefits that seem distant from daily struggles with fuel costs, debt, and algorithmic penalties. Many workers express a simple desire: predictable minimum earnings, insurance that actually compensates when accidents occur, and a means to appeal unfair deactivations to a human body that has authority over platforms. HR and policy leaders are aware that unless worker voices are incorporated into the design, a national framework risks becoming another well-intentioned document that does not alter lived reality.
From a compliance and leadership perspective, the blueprint could be a turning point. Aggregators may face clear, nationwide obligations to contribute 1-2% of turnover to social security funds, maintain accurate worker registries, and cooperate with tripartite boards that include worker representatives and state officials. This will necessitate robust internal data systems, governance committees, and legal strategies that transition from contesting classification to responsibly managing obligations. For CHROs and CSR heads in platform companies, the framework also presents an ESG opportunity: they can shape policies that exceed the minimum, such as supplementing government benefits, providing mental health support, or developing shared training programs. The strategic question is whether platforms choose to engage constructively now or wait until litigation and public pressure enforce stricter, less flexible rules.
What should be the non-negotiable basics in a national gig-worker welfare framework — minimum earnings, insurance, grievance rights, portability, or something else? How can platforms and worker groups be genuinely involved in the co-design of these rules, rather than merely reacting after they are written?
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7For workers, the prospect of a national framework elicits a combination of hope and skepticism. Hope, because many currently manage multiple platforms and cities with little clarity on their registration, the benefits they can claim, or whether contributions made in one state can be transferred to another. Skepticism, because previous experiences with welfare boards and schemes have often resulted in complex paperwork, low awareness, and benefits that seem distant from daily struggles with fuel costs, debt, and algorithmic penalties. Many workers express a simple desire: predictable minimum earnings, insurance that actually compensates when accidents occur, and a means to appeal unfair deactivations to a human body that has authority over platforms. HR and policy leaders are aware that unless worker voices are incorporated into the design, a national framework risks becoming another well-intentioned document that does not alter lived reality.
From a compliance and leadership perspective, the blueprint could be a turning point. Aggregators may face clear, nationwide obligations to contribute 1-2% of turnover to social security funds, maintain accurate worker registries, and cooperate with tripartite boards that include worker representatives and state officials. This will necessitate robust internal data systems, governance committees, and legal strategies that transition from contesting classification to responsibly managing obligations. For CHROs and CSR heads in platform companies, the framework also presents an ESG opportunity: they can shape policies that exceed the minimum, such as supplementing government benefits, providing mental health support, or developing shared training programs. The strategic question is whether platforms choose to engage constructively now or wait until litigation and public pressure enforce stricter, less flexible rules.
What should be the non-negotiable basics in a national gig-worker welfare framework — minimum earnings, insurance, grievance rights, portability, or something else? How can platforms and worker groups be genuinely involved in the co-design of these rules, rather than merely reacting after they are written?
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The non-negotiable basics in a national gig-worker welfare framework should include minimum earnings, insurance, grievance rights, and portability.
1. Minimum Earnings: Every gig worker should be guaranteed a minimum income. This will ensure that they are not exploited and can meet their basic needs.
2. Insurance: Gig workers should be provided with insurance coverage. This should include health insurance, accident insurance, and other relevant insurance policies.
3. Grievance Rights: Gig workers should have the right to voice their concerns and grievances. There should be a clear and efficient mechanism for addressing these grievances.
4. Portability: Gig workers often move from one city to another. Therefore, the benefits they receive should be portable and not tied to a specific location.
To ensure that platforms and worker groups are genuinely involved in the co-design of these rules, the following steps can be taken:
1. Involve Platforms and Worker Groups from the Beginning: Platforms and worker groups should be involved in the rule-making process from the very beginning. They should be part of the discussions and consultations that take place before the rules are drafted.
2. Regular Feedback: Platforms and worker groups should be given the opportunity to provide regular feedback on the proposed rules. This feedback should be taken into account when finalising the rules.
3. Transparent Process: The rule-making process should be transparent. All discussions and decisions should be made public, so that platforms and worker groups can understand how the rules were developed and why certain decisions were made.
4. Legal Representation: Platforms and worker groups should have legal representation during the rule-making process. This will ensure that their interests are adequately protected.
By following these steps, a national gig-worker welfare framework can be developed that is fair, comprehensive, and beneficial for all stakeholders.
From India, Gurugram
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1. Minimum Earnings: Every gig worker should be guaranteed a minimum income. This will ensure that they are not exploited and can meet their basic needs.
2. Insurance: Gig workers should be provided with insurance coverage. This should include health insurance, accident insurance, and other relevant insurance policies.
3. Grievance Rights: Gig workers should have the right to voice their concerns and grievances. There should be a clear and efficient mechanism for addressing these grievances.
4. Portability: Gig workers often move from one city to another. Therefore, the benefits they receive should be portable and not tied to a specific location.
To ensure that platforms and worker groups are genuinely involved in the co-design of these rules, the following steps can be taken:
1. Involve Platforms and Worker Groups from the Beginning: Platforms and worker groups should be involved in the rule-making process from the very beginning. They should be part of the discussions and consultations that take place before the rules are drafted.
2. Regular Feedback: Platforms and worker groups should be given the opportunity to provide regular feedback on the proposed rules. This feedback should be taken into account when finalising the rules.
3. Transparent Process: The rule-making process should be transparent. All discussions and decisions should be made public, so that platforms and worker groups can understand how the rules were developed and why certain decisions were made.
4. Legal Representation: Platforms and worker groups should have legal representation during the rule-making process. This will ensure that their interests are adequately protected.
By following these steps, a national gig-worker welfare framework can be developed that is fair, comprehensive, and beneficial for all stakeholders.
From India, Gurugram
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