The Union Labour Ministry has set up the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers (40 members) and the National Social Security Board for Gig and Platform Workers (22 members) under the Code on Social Security, 2020, about a year after the Code came into force.

• The Union Minister for Labour and Employment chairs both Boards, and the Union Labour Secretary is the vice-chairman.
• Members: Central and State governments, aggregator companies, employers, civil society, workers’ unions and gig workers’ associations.
• Composition: The unorganised board has seven worker and seven employer representatives. The gig board has five each from aggregators and workers. Labour departments of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat are also members.
• Work: To design, monitor and recommend welfare schemes, advise on the Code’s administration, review State-level record-keeping and the use of the fund. The Boards meet at least three times a year.
• Criticism: Union leaders say the Boards are tilted towards the Union government. Reports note that most recognised trade unions and Opposition-ruled States have no seat.

• Formal recognition: The Boards bring gig and platform workers into the formal welfare system for the first time, with a body that can recommend schemes.
• Wider safety net: They can design health, accident, maternity and old-age schemes for informal workers, who make up most of the workforce.
• Shared responsibility: Aggregators, workers and governments sit together, linking the platform economy to its workers’ welfare.
• SDG link: The step supports the goals of decent work and social protection for all.
• Test of federalism: Because labour is a Concurrent List subject, how far States are involved will show the quality of cooperative federalism.

• Centralised control: The Union government nominates the members and the Union Minister chairs. A report for the Keralam government in March 2026 flagged anti-federal features in the Code.
• Funding: The date from which aggregators must start contributing is yet to be notified by the Centre.
• Advisory role: The Boards recommend schemes, and real protection depends on the schemes and funds that follow.
• Reach: Registration of many informal workers is still incomplete.

• The Code: The Code on Social Security, 2020 merged nine laws, including the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008. It has been in force since 21 November 2025 and defines gig worker, platform worker and aggregator for the first time.
• Section 114: Aggregators contribute 1 to 2% of annual turnover to a Social Security Fund, capped at 5% of payments to workers.
• e-Shram: The Aadhaar-linked database of unorganised workers, launched on 26 August 2021. Gig and platform workers register on it to get portable benefits.
• Budget 2025-26: Announced ID cards, e-Shram registration and PM-JAY health cover for gig workers.
• Coverage claim: The Government says social security coverage rose from 19% (2015) to 64.3% (2025), but unorganised and gig workers, over 92% of the workforce, remain far from real protection.
• Federal angle: Labour is a subject in the Concurrent List.