GIG AND PLATFORM WORKERS IN INDIA: LEGAL RECOGNITION, SOCIAL SECURITY, AND EMERGING CHALLENGES

Abstract

The rapid growth of the gig economy in India has disclosed structural gaps in the country’s labour and social security framework. Gig and platform workers, while contributing essentially to the digital economy, often remain outside traditional employment protections. The code On Social Security 2020, pursues to address this gap by formally recognizing gig workers and introducing a supportive welfare framework supported by platform collectors. However, the capability of this framework depends on digital registration through Aadhar-linked systems and on aggregators compliance with contribution responsibilities. This paper examines the implementation architecture intended for 2025, with particular emphasis on Aadhar-linked registration through the eShram portal and the segregated risks arising from registration failures. It also reviews whether the legal framework creates an enforceable right to social security or entirely a scheme-based entitlement dependent on exclusive discretion.