In a significant move to formalize India’s informal economy, the Ministry of Labour and Employment is reportedly considering a proposal to make the National Pension System (NPS) mandatory for gig and platform workers. As of February 17, 2026, the government is evaluating whether to transition from the current “voluntary” enrollment model to a statutory one under the Code on Social Security, 2020, which officially came into force on November 21, 2025.
The move aims to bring India’s estimated 23.5 million gig workers (projected by 2030) under a structured retirement framework, moving them away from “financial invisibility.”
Key Components of the Proposed Framework
The government’s strategy focuses on using the existing “aggregator” ecosystem to automate retirement savings.
| Feature | Proposed Implementation Details |
| Mandatory Enrollment | Likely to be linked to the 90-day annual work threshold proposed in recent draft rules. |
| Funding Model | Aggregator Contribution: 1%–2% of annual turnover (capped at 5% of worker payouts). |
| Contribution Options | Can be jointly funded (Aggregator + Worker) or solely by the Aggregator. |
| Digital ID | Aadhaar-linked Universal Account Number (UAN) via the e-Shram portal. |
| Portability | Benefits remain active even if a worker switches from Swiggy to Uber or Zomato. |
The “NPS e-Shramik” Model
While the government debates making it mandatory, the PFRDA (Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority) has already paved the way with the “NPS e-Shramik (Platform Service Partner) Model”:
- Corporate-Style Structure: The model mimics the Corporate NPS, allowing seamless bulk onboarding by aggregators like Zomato and Urban Company.
- Zero Minimums: To suit the fluctuating income of gig work, there are no fixed minimum or maximum contribution thresholds.
- Onboarding Incentives: PFRDA is offering intermediaries an incentive of ₹100 per active account opened before March 31, 2026, to accelerate coverage.
The 90-Day “Eligibility” Debate
The most controversial aspect of the 2026 rollout is the minimum engagement threshold. Under the current draft rules:
- Single Platform: A worker must complete at least 90 days of work in a financial year to qualify for welfare benefits.
- Multi-Platform: If working across multiple apps, the threshold increases to 120 days.
- Union Pushback: Groups like the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union argue that these thresholds may exclude a large portion of “casual” or seasonal workers and have demanded the limit be reduced to 60 days.
Current Corporate Adoption
Several platforms have already jumped ahead of the mandatory ruling by launching voluntary pilots:
- Urban Company: Recently partnered with HDFC Pension to cover over 50,000 service professionals.
- Zomato: Reported over 30,000 delivery partners registered for NPS within just 72 hours of their voluntary pilot launch.
“Demanding full-time benefits like PF or guaranteed salaries doesn’t always align with the gig model, but providing a structured, portable pension via NPS is a landmark step in acknowledging these partners as a vital part of the economy.” — Industry Analyst Perspective.
