# Central Government Constitutes National Social Security Board for Unorganised, Gig and Platform Workers under the Code on Social Security, 2020

Gazette Notification: S.O. 5884(E)
Notification Date: 28 October 2026
Gazette Publication Date: 29 October 2026
Issuing Authority: Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India
Applicable Legislation: Code on Social Security, 2020
Relevant Provisions: Sections 6(1), 6(2) and 114(6)
Applicability: Pan-India

Background

The Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, has issued Notification S.O. 5884(E) dated 28 October 2026, constituting the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers under Section 6(1) of the Code on Social Security, 2020.

The notification also provides that the same Board shall function for the welfare of gig workers and platform workers under Section 114(6), with a specifically prescribed membership composition.

The Board has been constituted for three years from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, i.e., 29 October 2026.

This is an important institutional development in implementing the social security framework for workers outside conventional organised employment.

1. National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers

Under Section 6(2), the Board comprises 40 positions, representing workers, employers, government authorities and other stakeholders.

The principal composition is as follows:

The Board provides a national institutional mechanism for recommending and monitoring social security measures intended for unorganised workers.

2. Special Composition for Gig and Platform Workers

Paragraph 2 of the notification specifies that the National Social Security Board shall also function for gig and platform workers under Section 114(6).

For this purpose, members at serial numbers 3 to 40 are replaced by a specialised membership comprising representatives of platform aggregators, workers' organisations, statutory institutions, experts and State Governments.

The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson remain unchanged.

Representatives of Platform Aggregators

The notification includes representatives from five major platform businesses:

1. Dr. Jaskiran Bedi — Eternal Group

2. Ms. Neha Singhvi — Swiggy Limited

3. Shri Panduranga Acharya — Zepto Limited

4. Ms. Richa Mohanty — Urban Company

5. Shri Manasvi Mann — Rapido

Representatives of Gig and Platform Workers

Five members represent worker organisations, including the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers, Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, National Front of Indian Trade Unions and Trade Union Coordination Centre.

Representation from ESIC and EPFO

Significantly, the specialised Board includes:

• Director General, Employees' State Insurance Corporation

• Central Provident Fund Commissioner, Employees' Provident Fund Organisation

It also includes two experts associated with labour research and workers' education, five State Government representatives, and the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, as Member-Secretary.

These appointments provide a formal channel for discussions involving platform businesses, worker organisations and social security institutions.

3. Functions of the National Social Security Board

Under the statutory framework, the Board is intended to perform functions such as:

• Recommending suitable social security schemes for different categories of unorganised, gig and platform workers.

• Advising the Central Government on matters relating to the administration of the Code.

• Monitoring centrally administered social welfare schemes.

• Reviewing record-keeping functions undertaken at the State level.

• Reviewing expenditure from the relevant funds and accounts.

• Performing additional functions assigned by the Central Government.

The Ministry's press release dated 30 October 2026 also states that the Boards shall meet at least three times annually.

4. What Does This Notification Mean for Employers and Aggregators?

The notification is particularly relevant to digital platform businesses engaged in food delivery, logistics, transportation, home services and similar activities.

It establishes formal representation for stakeholders who may be involved in future social security policy discussions.

However, an important distinction must be maintained.

This notification constitutes the Board; it does not, by itself, notify a new social security benefit, contribution rate, registration requirement or return-filing obligation for aggregators.

Any specific obligation or benefit must be examined under the applicable provisions of the Code and relevant schemes, rules and subsequent notifications.

5. Practical Implications

The constitution of the Board is expected to strengthen the institutional framework for:

• Developing suitable welfare schemes for unorganised workers.

• Examining social security needs of gig and platform workers.

• Facilitating dialogue among aggregators, workers and government authorities.

• Monitoring implementation of welfare initiatives.

• Supporting coordination between Central and State authorities.

For employers and aggregators, the immediate requirement is to monitor subsequent scheme notifications and implementation instructions rather than assume that this Gazette notification introduces a fresh payment liability.

Conclusion

Notification S.O. 5884(E), dated 28 October 2026, marks an important step in operationalising the institutional provisions of the Code on Social Security, 2020.

By constituting the National Social Security Board and prescribing a specialised membership for gig and platform worker welfare, the Central Government has established a formal mechanism for consultation, recommendations and monitoring.

The significance of this development lies in the constitution of the statutory governance mechanism. Actual coverage, benefits, contributions and implementation requirements will depend upon the applicable legal provisions and separately notified schemes.