Maharashtra government announced that it will mandate police verification for all delivery partners and gig workers operating within the state.
The decision was shared by State Labour Minister Akash Fundkar in the Legislative Assembly, following rising concerns over public safety—particularly for women, the elderly, and other vulnerable citizens.
Key Highlights of the Mandate
The new rules target major online platforms and quick-commerce companies, including Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, and Amazon.
- Mandatory Clearance: Every gig worker must obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) before they can be onboarded or allowed to continue working on these platforms.
- Removal of Unverified Staff: The government has instructed companies to identify and immediately remove any delivery personnel currently working without a verified background check.
- Visibility of Details: The state is evaluating whether delivery personnel’s verification status and photo ID should be made explicitly visible to customers within the mobile applications for added safety.
- Third-Party Accountability: Minister Fundkar noted that many companies use third-party agencies to hire workers to avoid direct responsibility. The new directions will hold the core platforms accountable for the verification of all workers, regardless of how they were hired.
Context: The “Safety vs. Speed” Debate
The mandate comes at a time when the “10-minute delivery” model has come under heavy scrutiny from both the public and the government:
- Past Incidents: The Home Department and Labour Department held joint discussions following several reported incidents involving unverified delivery personnel in residential areas.
- Infrastructure Strain: Lawmakers raised concerns that the lack of proper background checks, combined with the pressure of rapid delivery timelines, was creating a “security blind spot” in urban centers like Mumbai and Pune.
Wider Reforms: Social Security Code 2026
The verification mandate is being rolled out alongside a broader set of rights for gig workers under the Code on Social Security (which became effective in November 2025):
| Feature | New Rule / Status |
| National Board | A National Social Security Board is being established to provide healthcare and insurance to gig workers. |
| Worker Status | For the first time, gig workers are legally defined as “workers” rather than just “business partners.” |
| Eligibility | Draft rules propose a 90-day annual work threshold for workers to qualify for state-funded benefits. |
| Unique ID (UAN) | All gig workers in Maharashtra will be registered on the e-Shram portal to receive a Universal Account Number for portable benefits. |
Next Steps for Companies
The state government is expected to issue the formal, detailed circular to aggregators by the end of this week. Companies will likely be given a 30-to-60 day grace period to complete the verification of their existing fleet before strict penalties are enforced.
