Social Security for Gig Workers: Striking the Right Balance in India

Anshuman Singh (Social Auditor)
An optimal blend of flexibility and protection can benefit gig workers if India effectively implements the 2020 social security code.
As the gig economy becomes a growing part of India’s labor market, the social security needs of gig workers—those making home deliveries for e-commerce companies—are gaining political importance. To address this, the government recently introduced the e-Shram portal, aiming to create a National Database of Unorganized Workers (NDUW) to help identify these workers and extend them social-security benefits.
Gig workers currently represent around 1.5% of India’s workforce and are projected to reach 23.5 million, or 4.1% of the total workforce, by 2029-30. This sector’s expansion brings both opportunities and challenges. While gig work provides earnings flexibility, it leaves workers exposed to economic insecurity due to a lack of formal social security coverage. Balancing the freedom of gig work with robust worker protection is crucial.