India’s gig economy — projected to employ 2.35 crore workers by 2029-30 — is set to receive a significant social security boost with the government pushing measures to extend healthcare and welfare benefits to platform-based workers.
According to official data, the country currently has nearly 1 crore gig and platform workers, a number that is expected to more than double in the next five years. The workforce largely comprises app-based drivers, delivery agents, logistics providers, and freelancers.
The Code on Social Security, 2020 marked the first formal recognition of gig and platform workers in law, entitling them to benefits such as accident insurance, health and maternity cover, and old-age protection. To implement this, the government launched the e-Shram portal in 2021 to create a national database of unorganised workers. As of August 3, 2025, the portal has registered over 30.98 crore workers, including 3.37 lakh gig and platform workers.
Uttar Pradesh leads with 8.39 crore registrations, followed by Bihar (3 crore) and West Bengal (2.64 crore). Women form a substantial share, with UP alone accounting for 4.41 crore female registrants.
In the Union Budget 2025-26, the government announced a plan to extend Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) benefits to platform workers. Once rolled out, gig workers will be entitled to annual health insurance cover of ₹5 lakh per family at empanelled public and private hospitals across the country.
Officials said the government is also working on setting up a Social Security Fund with contributions from the Centre, state governments, and digital platforms to support gig workers. The Code merges nine existing labour laws, including those on gratuity, provident fund, and maternity benefits, into a single framework that now includes gig and platform workers for the first time.
Experts say the move is timely. “India’s gig economy is no longer on the margins — it is a core part of our labour market. Extending social security will ensure both dignity and stability for this workforce,” a senior labour economist said.
While implementation challenges remain, including ensuring compliance from digital platforms and raising awareness among workers, labour ministry officials said the government’s focus will be on universal registration and linking workers to welfare schemes through the e-Shram database.
