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Ministry of Labour and Employment mandates onboarding of aggregators on the eShram portal
The Ministry of Labour and Employment (“Labour Ministry”), vide its circular[1] dated June 1, 2026 (“Circular”) has directed all online aggregators to complete their onboarding and Application Programming Interface (“API”) integration on the eShram portal by June 21, 2026. The Circular forms part of a broader effort to strengthen social security coverage for gig and platform workers, as preserved under the Code on Social Security, 2020 (“SS Code”). With digital platforms becoming a significant source of employment, the Labour Ministry has reiterated its commitment to ensure that gig and platform workers are brought within a structured and legally recognised framework of social security protection.
Strengthening social security for platform workers
The Labour Ministry’s initiative is rooted in the implementation of the SS Code, which came into force on November 21, 2025. Notably, the SS Code formally recognises gig and platform workers and mandates the creation of social security schemes tailored to such workers’ needs. To this effect, the Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 (“Social Security Central Rules”) which was notified on May 8, 2026, requires all aggregators to share details of the gig and platform workers who are engaged with such aggregators on the designated portal, using electronic means or API, within 45 (forty-five) days of the commencement of the Social Security Central Rules. To facilitate this process, the eShram portal serves as a centralised platform for registering unorganised workers and issuing them a universal account number. This identification number enables workers to access various employment opportunities, skill development programs, and social welfare schemes offered by both Central and State Governments.
The Circular notes that several prominent aggregators, including Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Uber, Ola, and Amazon, amongst others, have already been onboarded onto the eShram portal. Through the Circular, the Labour Ministry has emphasised strict adherence to deadlines, specifying that all remaining aggregators and platform workers are required to complete their registration and API integration as applicable by June 21, 2026. This is critical to ensure seamless data sharing and effective implementation of social security measures. Non-compliance with requirements under the Circular may attract penal provisions under Section 133 of the SS Code.
Additionally, to facilitate the onboarding process, the Circular outlines the: (a) suggested general terms of onboarding, including roles and responsibilities of aggregators and setting up a grievance redressal helpline; (b) standard operating procedure for online onboarding of aggregators on eShram portal; and (c) details to be submitted by aggregators for onboarding on eShram portal.
Conclusion
Timelines instituted for onboarding of aggregators onto the eShram portal marks a pivotal step toward formalising the gig and platform economy in India. By mandating compliance and facilitating technological integration, the Labour Ministry aims to extend social security benefits to unorganised workforce. Timely adherence by aggregators is not only intended to ensure regulatory compliance but also contribute to the creation of a more inclusive employment framework.
This Prism has been prepared by:
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Gerald Manoharan |
Sonakshi Das |
Shreeya Sucharita |
For more details, please contact [email protected].
[1] Notification No. U-11019/13/2026- GPW
