New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In a significant push towards inclusive labour welfare, the Centre/Delhi government has accelerated efforts to bring millions of gig and construction workers under the umbrella of social security. Spearheaded by Labour Minister Kapil Mishra, the initiative is being viewed as a landmark reform for India’s vast unorganised workforce.


Under the programme, gig and platform workers are being systematically registered and identified to ensure their direct linkage with key social security schemes. Emphasising the government’s intent, Kapil Mishra stated that the objective is clear and uncompromising: no worker should remain outside the safety net of social protection.


Official sources said the move will provide workers access to health insurance, accident coverage, pension benefits and other welfare schemes. Beyond financial security, the initiative is expected to enhance dignity, stability and a sense of recognition for workers at their workplaces.


Policy experts have described the reform as a decisive beginning for restructuring social protection in the unorganised sector, translating the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” into tangible action.


Munish Kumar Gaur Hails ‘Bold and Pro-Worker Decision’
Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Employees’ Compensation Commissioner Munish Kumar Gaur has strongly welcomed the government’s move, calling it historic and forward-looking. Praising Labour Minister Kapil Mishra’s proactive approach, Gaur said the decision would provide long-overdue relief to workers who have traditionally remained outside formal social security frameworks.


“Gig and construction workers form the backbone of the modern economy, yet they have been denied basic security for decades. This initiative brings them into the mainstream and reflects genuine concern for labour welfare,” Gaur said.


He added that the government’s labour policies are now moving beyond policy announcements to effective ground-level implementation, ensuring participation of workers across sectors. Bringing all categories of workers into a government-backed social security system, he said, is a courageous and commendable step towards social justice.


Overall, the initiative is being seen as a transformative reform—one that promises to secure the future of millions of workers while reinforcing India’s commitment to building a more equitable and resilient labour ecosystem.