The Rajya Sabha on Monday passed the Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Bill, 2026, extending a long-awaited safety net to nearly 7.7 crore gig and platform workers across India. The bill, which the Lok Sabha cleared on September 22, will now go for presidential assent before becoming law.

It entitles gig workers to health insurance under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, accidental insurance cover of five lakh rupees and maternity benefits. Platform companies will be required to contribute two per cent of the value of transactions to a social security fund, and workers will be enrolled for provident fund benefits.

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation will serve as the implementing agency. Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya piloted the bill. India’s gig economy is the second largest in the world after the United States, and the legislation is aimed at formalising protections for workers in delivery, ride-hailing and other platform-based services. Industry groups have welcomed the clarity while seeking time to adapt their systems to the new contribution norms.