Full Breakdown
Government Notifies National Social Security Board for Gig and Platform Workers
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event
On 30 October 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment issued a notification constituting a 40-member National Social Security Board (NSSB) for unorganised, gig and platform workers under the Code on Social Security, 2020. The board is tasked with recommending, designing and monitoring welfare schemes for these workers and will meet at least three times a year.
02
Background & Context
The Code on Social Security, 2020 created a statutory framework to extend social-security coverage to workers outside traditional employer-employee relationships. Gig workers (independent service providers, freelancers) and platform workers (those engaged through online platforms) have expanded rapidly; the NITI Aayog projects employment of 2.35 crore people in the sector by 2029-30.
Visual evidence
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03
Board Composition
The board includes representatives from the central and state governments, aggregator companies, employers, civil-society organisations, workers’ unions and gig-platform associations.
- Union seats: 7 representatives, including three members from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-linked Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS).
- Employer seats: 7 representatives, with three seats held by Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB), another RSS-linked organisation.
- State seats: Delegates from BJP-ruled states such as Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and West Bengal.
No members from the twelve government-recognised central trade unions—such as the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC)—were appointed.
04
Official Statements & Responses
It added that the board will review state-level record-keeping, examine fund expenditures and advise the central government on matters arising from the Code.
05
Data & Statistics
- NITI Aayog estimates the gig and platform sector will employ 2.35 crore workers by 2029-30, highlighting the scale of the population the board is intended to serve.
06
Verbatim Quotes
- “We had sent across names for the board as asked by the government, and there are several members from other unions as well. We want the meeting for the National Social Security Board as fast as possible so that we have put forth our ideas on the welfare of gig and platform workers,” — Pawan Kumar, Vice President, Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS)
07
What’s Next
The board is mandated to convene at least three times annually; future meetings will determine specific scheme recommendations and monitoring mechanisms, though exact dates have not been disclosed.