To extend social security benefits, Govt takes e-shram portal route

New Delhi : Ministry of Labour & Employment

has taken another major step in extending social security benefits to gig and

platform workers by inviting platform aggregators to register their workers on

the e-Shram portal. This registration is crucial to ensuring workers’ access to

social welfare schemes, while aggregators will help develop an accurate

registry of beneficiaries.

To guide the process, the Ministry

has issued an advisory with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining

aggregator responsibilities, including registering workers and updating their

data. Upon registration, platform workers will receive a Universal Account

Number (UAN), which will allow them access to key social security benefits.

Central Government, working with few

aggregators, has successfully completed testing for API integration and is

advancing the registration process. This joint effort aims to ensure full

coverage of gig workers, with ongoing collaboration between the Ministry and

platform aggregators.

Through the guidelines, the

Aggregators have also been requested to regularly update workers’ details,

including work engagement and payments. Any workers exit must be reported

promptly to maintain accurate records.

To assist with the onboarding of

workers and aggregators, a toll-free helpline (14434) has been set up to

provide information, guide registration, and resolve any technical issues

encountered during the process.

The Ministry has also scheduled a

meeting with the Aggregators on Wednesday which will be chaired by Dr. Mansukh

Mandaviya, Union Minister of Labour and Employment to sensitise and encourage

them in this important initiative.