Draft Code On Social Security (Central) Rules, 2025 Outline Roadmap For Universal And Digital Coverage

Advancing the implementation of the new labour law architecture, the Central Government has notified the Draft Code on Social Security (Central) Rules, 2025 through Notification No. G.S.R. 935(E) dated 30 December 2025, issued under the Code on Social Security, 2020. The draft rules are aimed at translating the broad statutory framework of the Code into an operational system by prescribing detailed procedures for the rollout and administration of social security schemes across sectors. Stakeholders have been invited to submit their objections and suggestions within the consultation period specified from the date of publication in the Official Gazette.

The draft rules propose a comprehensive and unified social security architecture, extending coverage beyond the traditional organised sector to include unorganised workers, gig workers, platform workers and aggregators. By doing so, they seek to bridge long-standing gaps in India’s social protection landscape. The rules lay down procedural clarity on key aspects such as registration, enrolment, coverage thresholds, contribution mechanisms, benefit delivery and scheme administration, providing a common framework applicable across diverse categories of workers and establishments.

A defining feature of the draft rules is their strong emphasis on digital integration and portability of benefits. Registration of establishments, workers and beneficiaries is proposed to be carried out through designated electronic portals, enabling seamless data sharing and coordination among implementing authorities such as the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation and other notified bodies. This digital backbone is intended to ensure continuity of social security benefits across employments and geographies, while also reducing procedural friction for employers and workers alike.

The draft rules also elaborate on the manner of contributions and benefits under various social security schemes, including provident fund, insurance, gratuity, maternity benefit and employee compensation. Particular emphasis has been placed on operationalizing social security for gig and platform workers, with provisions relating to the creation, funding and utilization of dedicated Social Security Funds. These mechanisms are designed to support welfare coverage for non-traditional work arrangements that fall outside standard employer–employee relationships.

From a governance and compliance perspective, the draft rules prescribe structured administrative and oversight mechanisms, including record-keeping obligations, submission of electronic returns, and a defined inspection-cum-facilitation framework. Grievance redressal processes have also been detailed, reinforcing accountability while aligning with the labour codes’ broader objective of transparency, reduced compliance burden and facilitative enforcement.

Overall, the Draft Code on Social Security (Central) Rules, 2025 represent a critical step towards universalizing social security coverage in India under a single statutory framework. For employers, the rules signal a move towards harmonized, technology-driven compliance, while for workers they promise expanded and portable social protection. Once finalized, these rules are expected to play a pivotal role in converting the intent of the Social Security Code into a functioning and inclusive welfare system.