India's gig and platform workforce — estimated at 7.7 crore workers by NITI Aayog — remains entirely outside the country's formal labour protection framework five years after Parliament passed the four consolidated Labour Codes. The Code on Social Security (2020) was the first central legislation to recognise gig and platform workers as a distinct category, promising them access to provident fund, ESI health insurance, and a welfare fund. But as of May 2026, the central government has not issued the notifications required to bring Chapter IX of the Code into force.
Gig Workers in India — The Protection Gap
- 7.7 crore gig workers estimated nationally (NITI Aayog, 2022)
- 0 states have notified gig-specific social security rules under the 2020 Code
- Rajasthan is the only state with a standalone Gig Workers Act (2023) — covering welfare board registration only
- Average monthly income: ₹15,000–18,000 (Swiggy/Zomato/Ola delivery workers)
- No minimum wage guarantee: classified as 'independent contractors'
- Health expenses: fully out-of-pocket; no ESI access
“We work 12–14 hours a day. If I meet with an accident, there is nothing. No insurance, no sick leave, nothing. The company says I am a 'partner'. Partners have rights. We have none.”
— Suresh Kumar, Swiggy delivery worker, Bengaluru
7.7Cr
Gig workers in India
0
States with full gig protection
5 years
Since Labour Codes passed
₹15–18K
Avg monthly income
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Arjun Menon
Economy & Data Reporter
Arjun specialises in public finance, budget analysis and economic data journalism. Former researcher at NIPFP.