Under India’s newly enacted Labour Codes, online platforms such as Swiggy, Uber, Urban Company, Zomato, and others are now legally required to contribute 1–2% of their annual turnover into a welfare fund dedicated to gig and platform workers. This contribution is capped at a maximum of 5% of the total payments these companies make (or are due to make) to gig workers.
This development marks a significant shift in India’s labour policy: for the first time, the terms “aggregator,” “gig worker,” and “platform worker” are formally defined in law. To ensure portability of benefits, gig workers will be issued an Aadhaar-linked Universal Account Number (UAN) that allows welfare access across state lines.
The welfare fund will be overseen by the National Social Security Board, which will include representatives from gig workers, platform companies, and government bodies.The money collected will go toward critical benefits such as healthcare cover, maternity pay, accident insurance, and retirement protection, a major step toward formal social security for a workforce that was long excluded.
By mandating these contributions, the government aims to place a clear and enforceable social responsibility on gig platforms that profit heavily from their workforce, helping to close a welfare gap for millions of app-based workers.
