Union Labour Ministry Notifies National Social Security Boards for Unorganised, Gig, and Platform Workers

The Union Labour Ministry notified the constitution of the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers and the National Social Security Board for Gig and Platform Workers on Friday (October 30, 2026), according to an official statement.

Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya serves as the chairman for both newly formed boards. The unorganised workers board comprises 40 members, while the gig and platform workers board includes 22 members. The Union Labour Secretary holds the position of vice-chairman for both panels.

Composition and Representation

The boards include representation from various stakeholders:

• Central and State government officials, including Labour Department officers from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat.
• Prominent aggregator companies and employers, such as Eternal Group (formerly Zomato Limited), Swiggy Limited, Zepto Limited, Urban Company, and Rapido.
• Civil society organisations and workers' unions, including the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, Laghu Udyog Bharati, and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers.
• Institutional representatives from the V.V. Giri National Labour Institute and the Dattopant Thengadi Board for Workers Education and Development.

Mandate and Functions

According to the Ministry, the boards are tasked with designing, monitoring, and recommending targeted welfare schemes. Their responsibilities include:

• Recommending suitable schemes for different sections of unorganised, gig, and platform workers.
• Advising the Union government on administering the Social Security Code.
• Monitoring existing social welfare schemes and reviewing State-level record-keeping functions.
• Reviewing fund and account expenditures.
• Conducting other functions as assigned by the Union government.

The boards are scheduled to meet at least three times a year, with procedural rules to be prescribed by the Union government.

Official Statements and Responses

The Labour Ministry stated in a release that the boards, established under the statutory framework of the Code on Social Security, represent a formal step to integrate digital gig and platform professionals into welfare frameworks.

However, varying perspectives emerged from labour representatives. All India Trade Union Congress general secretary Amarjeet Kaur stated that the board composition is heavily tilted toward the Union Government and includes pro-BJP unions and employers' organisations. Additionally, Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers co-founder Shaik Salauddin noted that the ultimate success of the boards will depend on the tangible benefits that reach workers and their families.

Readers can verify official notifications through the Ministry of Labour and Employment portal or official government Gazette releases.