In a landmark step toward ensuring comprehensive social security for India's massive informal workforce, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has notified the official constitution of the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and Gig & Platform Workers. Established under the statutory framework of the Code on Social Security, these Boards mark a historic shift by integrating digital gig and platform professionals into India's formal welfare architecture.
The Boards will be presided over by the Union Minister for Labour & Employment and comprise representatives from Central and State Governments, prominent aggregator companies, employers, civil society organizations, workers' unions and gig & platform Associations. The Boards are mandated to design, monitor, and recommend targeted welfare schemes to bridge the social security gap for millions of gig & platform workers alongside traditional unorganised workers.
The National Social Security Boards shall meet at least thrice a year and shall observe rules of procedure relating to the transaction of business at its meetings, as prescribed by the Central Government.
The National Social Security Boards shall perform the following functions, namely:-
(a) recommend to the Central Government for framing suitable schemes for different sections of unorganised workers, gig workers and platform workers;
(b) advise the Central Government on such matters arising out of the administration of this Code as may be referred to it;
(c) monitor such social welfare schemes for unorganised workers, gig workers and platform workers as are administered by the Central Government,
(d) review the record keeping functions performed at the State level;
(e) review the expenditure from the fund and account; and
(f) undertake other functions as are assigned to it by the Central Government from time to time.