National Social Security Board established for unorganised and gig workers

In a historic move to provide comprehensive social security to India's vast informal workforce, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a notification for the official establishment of a National Social Security Board for unorganised workers as well as gig and platform workers. According to a PIB report, this board, established under the statutory framework of the Code on Social Security, will perform the crucial task of integrating digital gig and platform professionals into the country's formal welfare structure.

The board will be chaired by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment. Members of the board will include representatives from the central and state governments, leading aggregator companies, employers, civil society organisations, trade unions, and representatives of gig and platform associations. The primary objective of the board will be to formulate, monitor, and recommend targeted welfare schemes to bridge the social security gap between traditional unorganised workers and millions of gig and platform workers.

As per the rules, the National Social Security Board will meet at least three times a year. During these meetings, the rules of procedure determined by the central government will be followed.

The board's key responsibilities include recommending to the central government the formulation of suitable schemes for various categories of unorganised, gig, and platform workers and advising the government on matters related to the administration of the Code. Additionally, the board will be tasked with monitoring social welfare schemes run by the central government, reviewing record-keeping functions at the state level, and reviewing expenditures from funds and accounts. Furthermore, other functions assigned by the central government from time to time will also be performed by the board.