Government Proposes Social Security Cover for Delivery Partners With 90-Day Work Rule

New Delhi: The Government of India has issued a proposal for new draft rules for millions of delivery boys and gig workers working on service platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Ola, and Uber in the country. Its objective is to provide social security coverage to these workers, which includes health insurance, life insurance, accident insurance, and also a pension in the future. 

What is the required period of work to receive benefits?

According to the proposal, if a worker is associated with only one platform, he will have to work for at least 90 days in a financial year. If a person works on more than one platform, the total period of work should be 120 days. Counting of working days will start from the day he first earns income. 

This rule has been laid down in such a way that “some work should not seem like a burden but should come within the scope of rights.” If the prescribed conditions are not met, the worker will not be eligible for social security benefits.

What is the arrangement for registration and identification?

The government has said that digital registration of all gig and platform workers will be mandatory. For this they will have to link their Aadhaar on the e-Shram portal. Every laborer will be issued a Universal Account Number (UAN) and digital identity card so that whatever platform he works on, his rights are protected. 

The government clearly says that “it is difficult to get rights without identity.” Under this thinking, this Aadhaar-linked system is being prepared. 

What will be the journey of pension and insurance?

The proposal states that these workers will get the benefit of health and medical insurance with schemes like Ayushman Bharat. Going forward, a pension scheme can be introduced in the future, in which both the platform and the workers will contribute. Apart from this, provision of facilities like maternity benefits and crèches for children is also included in the proposal.

Why is the National Social Security Board being created?

The draft rules also suggest creating a National Social Security Board. This board will include officials from the Center and states, representatives of labor unions, and representatives of aggregator companies. Its work will include accurate assessment of the number of workers, review of policies, and giving new recommendations. 

The government says that “wherever there is work, there should also be security,” and this system is being introduced with this in mind. 

When will the draft rules come into force?

These draft rules are currently put up for public opinion. The final decision and notification on these are likely to be issued by March 2026.