### New Labour Codes in India: A Step Towards Social Security for Gig Workers The Indian government has proposed new draft rules under the Social Security Code that aim to provide social security benefits to gig workers. These rules stipulate that gig workers must work for at least **90 days annually** with an aggregator to qualify for benefits such as health insurance and pensions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to formalize the gig economy and ensure that workers in this sector receive necessary protections and benefits, reflecting a significant shift in labor policy in India. The government is seeking feedback on these draft rules, which are expected to be fully operational by April 1, 2026 [https://www.livemint.com/news/india/new-labour-codes-centres-new-draft-rules-float-social-security-for-gig-workers-but-conditions-apply-90-days-of-11767329902512.html]. ### Structure of the Proposed Changes 1. **Eligibility Criteria**: - Gig workers must complete **90 days of work** with a single aggregator or **120 days across multiple platforms** to qualify for social security benefits [https://www.thedailyguardian.com/india/90-days-or-no-benefits-how-new-draft-rules-could-change-gig-workers-social-security-689765]. 2. **Social Security Fund**: - Contributions collected from gig workers will be maintained in a **separate account** within the Social Security Fund specifically for gig workers [https://www.outlookbusiness.com/economy-and-policy/labour-ministry-proposes-90-day-annual-work-threshold-for-gig-worker-social-security]. 3. **Income Calculation**: - A gig worker will be considered engaged for a day if they earn any income from work with an aggregator on that calendar day, allowing for cumulative calculations across different platforms [https://www.news9live.com/business/biz-news/social-security-for-gig-workers-labour-ministry-proposes-90-day-annual-work-threshold-2916714]. 4. **Registration and Compliance**: - Workers will need to register using **Aadhaar** and comply with data-sharing obligations set by aggregators to ensure transparency and accountability [https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/gig-economy-india-eligibility-norms-social-security-schemes-labour-ministry-19813416.htm]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Proposed Work Days**: - **90 days** with one aggregator or **120 days** across multiple platforms is the threshold for eligibility [https://www.firstpost.com/india/india-drafts-new-social-security-code-proposes-90-day-work-a-year-for-gig-workers-to-get-benefits-13964660.html]. - **Social Security Benefits**: - Benefits may include health insurance, pensions, and other social security measures, which are crucial for the financial stability of gig workers [https://www.bhaskarenglish.in/business/news/centre-proposes-90-days-work-a-year-for-gig-workers-social-security-benefits-also-on-the-cards-136838573.html]. - **Stakeholder Feedback**: - The government has opened the draft rules for public comments, indicating a participatory approach to policy-making [https://www.thedailyjagran.com/india/gig-workers-to-get-social-security-cover-after-90-days-of-work-govt-issues-draft-rules-10290010]. ### Conclusion: A Transformative Policy for Gig Workers The proposed **90-day work requirement** for gig workers marks a significant advancement in labor rights in India. 1. **Eligibility for Benefits**: Workers must engage for a minimum of **90 days** to access social security benefits, which is a crucial step towards formalizing the gig economy. 2. **Financial Security**: The establishment of a dedicated **Social Security Fund** for gig workers aims to provide essential financial protections. 3. **Compliance and Registration**: The requirement for **Aadhaar-based registration** and compliance from aggregators ensures accountability and transparency in the gig economy. These changes reflect a growing recognition of the need to protect gig workers and provide them with the social safety nets that are essential for their well-being [https://apacnewsnetwork.com/2026/01/draft-social-security-rules-set-90-day-work-threshold-for-gig-workers-benefits].