New Delhi: Gig and platform workers will need to be engaged with an aggregator for at least 90 days in a financial year to qualify for social security benefits under the proposed rules of the new Social Security Code, according to draft norms released for public consultation.
For workers operating across multiple platforms, the eligibility threshold has been set at 120 days, with workdays counted cumulatively.
The draft rules state that engagement will be calculated from the day a worker begins earning, irrespective of income level. If a worker is active on more than one platform on a single day, each engagement will be counted separately.
The definition of eligible workers has also been broadened to include those hired directly by aggregators or through subsidiaries, associate entities, LLPs or third parties.
Under the new labour framework, gig workers will be entitled to benefits such as health, life and personal accident insurance, with scope for pension benefits at a later stage.
Registration through the Aadhaar-linked e-Shram portal has been mandated for all workers above 16 years, with aggregators required to share worker data for the issuance of a universal account number and identity card.
Workers will lose eligibility after turning 60 or if they fail to meet the minimum engagement criteria in the preceding financial year.
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