India has notified two National Social Security Boards, one for unorganised workers and one for gig and platform workers, under the Code on Social Security. The Ministry of Labour and Employment announced the move on October 30, 2026, and the boards will advise the government on welfare schemes for India’s informal workforce.
The Code on Social Security, which came into force in November 2025, consolidates nine existing social security laws into a single framework. The two boards are statutory bodies created under that Code, and each is chaired by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment.
Who Sits on the National Social Security Boards?
According to reports on the ministry’s statement, each board is chaired by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment. Members include representatives of the Central and State Governments, aggregator companies, employers, civil society organisations, workers’ unions and associations representing gig and platform workers. The reports available do not give member counts or seat numbers.
What Will the Boards Do for Gig and Unorganised Workers?
The boards are advisory. Their mandate, as reported, includes advising the Central Government on designing, implementing and monitoring welfare schemes, recommending suitable schemes for different worker categories, and advising on administration of the Code on Social Security. They will also monitor schemes run by the Centre, review record-keeping at the state level and examine expenditure from the relevant funds and accounts. Each board must meet at least three times a year.
What Do Industry and Worker Groups Say?
No statements from aggregator companies, trade unions or industry bodies were found in the sources reviewed at the time of writing. The ministry’s framing, as reported, is that the step strengthens social security coverage for India’s informal workforce.
Market and Trade Reaction
No market reaction or comment from trade bodies had been reported when this article was written. Because the boards recommend rather than legislate, the practical impact on aggregators and workers will depend on which schemes the government frames and implements next.
What Happens Next?
The boards are expected to begin their advisory work now that they have been notified, with at least three meetings a year. Readers should watch for scheme recommendations, the operation of the related funds and accounts, and any further rules from the Ministry of Labour and Employment under the Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Social Security Board for gig and platform workers?
It is a statutory advisory body under the Code on Social Security. It advises the Central Government on welfare schemes for gig and platform workers and reviews how those schemes are monitored.
Who chairs the boards?
The Union Minister for Labour and Employment chairs the boards, which also include government, employer, aggregator, union and civil society representatives.
Do the boards deliver benefits directly to workers?
No. The boards recommend and advise. Actual benefits depend on the schemes the government designs and implements.
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