AAP's Raghav Chadha calls Centre's draft social security rules for gig workers 'small win'; Congress says 'too little, too late'

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha brought renewed political focus to the working conditions of app-based delivery workers after meeting a Blinkit delivery partner

• Draft Social Security Rules aim to safeguard gig workers and delivery partners
• Raghav Chadha calls the move a step toward recognition and legal safeguards
• Congress criticises the proposal as inadequate and delayed for gig workers

Did our AI summary help?

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has welcomed the Centre’s draft Social Security Rules for gig workers, calling the move a meaningful step towards giving legal status and safeguards to millions working on app-based platforms.  Small but important win:

Reacting to the draft Code on Social Security (Central) Rules, 2025, released by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Chadha said the proposal marks progress in recognising the contribution of gig workers and delivery partners. He said the rules aim to provide formal recognition, identity and access to social security benefits for workers who have long remained outside the ambit of labour protections.

Sharing his response on X, the AAP MP wrote, “Congratulations to all Gig Workers and Delivery Partners. There is good news for you. Central Government’s draft Social Security Rules are the first step towards recognition, protection and dignity for your work. Even though the Platforms (Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, etc.) chose not to listen to your voices, the people of this country and the government did. This is a small win, but an important win.”

In a video message posted on the same platform, Chadha underlined that the development was the result of sustained pressure from workers themselves.

“These draft rules were not framed just because I raised the issue in Parliament, it has happened because you all also raised your voices. The companies and the platforms did not listen to you, but the government did, which should be welcomed,” he said.

Chadha has repeatedly raised concerns over the working conditions of gig workers in Parliament, pointing to long hours, performance pressure and lack of job security. He has also argued for tighter oversight of quick commerce and app-based delivery services, stressing the need for fair wages, dignity at work and basic protections. Under the proposed framework, he noted, gig workers would be legally recognised and issued a unique identity to access benefits.

Congratulations to all Gig Workers and Delivery Partners. There is good news for you.

Central Government’s draft Social Security Rules are the first step towards recognition, protection and dignity for your work. Even though the Platforms (Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, etc.) chose… pic.twitter.com/tD7iyI25k6 — Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) January 4, 2026

However, the Congress struck a critical note on the Centre’s proposal. The party described reports of a 90-day work requirement for gig workers to qualify for social security as inadequate and delayed. In a statement issued in New Delhi, Congress said the proposal fell short of what was required to protect workers in the unorganised sector.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, said, “Amidst a larger movement by gig workers to secure dignified working conditions, the (Narendra) Modi government has belatedly woken up to the need to do so. But its vision is too little, too late and falls far short of the provisions made out by Congress governments in Telangana, Rajasthan, and Karnataka to support gig workers.”

Ramesh listed measures taken by Congress-ruled states, including welfare funds financed through a fee on each transaction, tripartite welfare boards to ensure registration and transparency, and rules preventing termination without written reasons and prior notice.

Amidst a larger movement by gig workers to secure dignified working conditions, the Modi Government has belatedly woken up to the need to do so. But its vision is too little, too late - and falls far short of the provisions made out by @INCIndia Governments in Telangana,… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) January 3, 2026

He also pointed to requirements for fair contracts, safe working environments, rest and access to sanitary facilities.

Reiterating the party’s stance, Ramesh said, “The Congress continues to stand by gig workers,” adding that protecting gig and unorganised sector workers was a core element of the party’s policy commitments.