MoLE Constitutes National Social Security Board for Unorganised, Gig and Platform Workers
- By Sanjay Kumar
- 2 Nov 2026, 15:29 IST
- 4 min read
Key points
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) has constituted the National Social Security Board (NSSB) for unorganised workers, gig workers and platform workers under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
The Ministry announced the development on 30 October 2026.
The Board will recommend, monitor and review social security and welfare schemes for workers, particularly those employed in the informal economy and digital platform-based services.
About the National Social Security Board
The National Social Security Board is a statutory body constituted under Section 6 of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
Under Section 114(6), the same Board also functions for the welfare of gig and platform workers, with a different membership composition for those matters.
Key Facts
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Name | National Social Security Board (NSSB) |
Constituted by | Ministry of Labour and Employment |
Notification | S.O. 5884(E) |
Notification Date | 28 October 2026 |
Government Announcement | 30 October 2026 |
Legal Framework | Code on Social Security, 2020 |
Relevant Sections | Section 6 and Section 114(6) |
Tenure | Three years |
Chairperson | Union Minister for Labour and Employment |
Vice-Chairperson | Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment |
Meetings | At least three times annually |
Beneficiary Groups | Unorganised, gig and platform workers |
Composition of the Board
The Board includes representatives from different sectors to support policymaking and monitoring.
Its membership includes representatives of:
Central and State Governments
Employers and industry organisations
Workers' unions and associations
Civil society organisations
Gig and platform workers
Digital platform and aggregator companies
For gig and platform worker matters, the notified composition includes representatives from companies such as Eternal Group, Swiggy, Zepto, Urban Company and Rapido.
The Board also includes representatives of workers' organisations.
Major Functions of the National Social Security Board
1. Recommend Social Security Schemes
The Board will recommend suitable welfare schemes to the Central Government for different categories of unorganised workers, gig workers and platform workers.
2. Advise the Central Government
It will advise the government on matters related to the administration of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
3. Monitor Welfare Schemes
The Board will monitor social security schemes administered by the Central Government.
4. Review State-Level Records
It will examine record-keeping functions performed at the State level.
5. Review Fund Expenditure
The Board will review expenditure from the relevant social security funds and accounts.
6. Perform Additional Functions
It may undertake other responsibilities assigned by the Central Government.
Who Are Unorganised, Gig and Platform Workers?
Worker Category | Meaning | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Unorganised Workers | Workers employed in the unorganised sector or otherwise covered by the statutory definition | Street vendors, domestic workers and certain self-employed workers |
Gig Workers | Individuals earning through work arrangements outside traditional employer–employee relationships | Freelancers and independent service providers |
Platform Workers | Individuals undertaking work through online platforms | App-based delivery partners and ride-hailing drivers |
Important: Gig work and platform work are related concepts, but not all gig work necessarily involves an online platform.
About the Code on Social Security, 2020
The Code on Social Security, 2020 consolidates several laws relating to social security and employee welfare.
It includes provisions concerning:
Social security for unorganised workers
Welfare of gig and platform workers
Life and disability cover
Health and maternity benefits
Old-age protection
Social Security Fund provisions
The Code provides a legal framework for extending social protection to workers outside conventional employment arrangements.
Significance of the Board
1. Social Protection: The Board provides an institutional mechanism to address welfare needs among workers who may lack conventional employment-based benefits.
2. Recognition of Gig Workers: It formally includes workers associated with digital platforms in social security discussions.
3. Worker Representation: Worker associations can participate alongside government and industry representatives.
4. Policy Coordination: It supports cooperation between Central and State Governments in the administration of welfare schemes.
5. Monitoring and Accountability: Regular review of welfare schemes, records and expenditure can support more effective implementation.
Conclusion
The constitution of the National Social Security Board marks an important institutional development in India's labour welfare framework.
By bringing together government representatives, employers, aggregator companies and worker organisations, the Board aims to strengthen the design and monitoring of social security schemes for unorganised, gig and platform workers.
The Board's constitution does not itself mean that every proposed welfare benefit has already been implemented. Actual benefits will depend on the applicable schemes and rules.
