India mandates aggregator onboarding to eShram portal to expand social security coverage

At a glance

• The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a circular dated 1 June 2026 (Circular) requiring all online aggregators to complete onboarding and Application Programming Interface (API) integration with the eShram portal by 21 June 2026.
• This requirement forms part of the implementation of the Code on Social Security 2020 (SS Code), which formally recognises gig and platform workers and provides for tailored social security schemes.
• The Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 (SS Code Central Rules) require aggregators to submit details of engaged gig and platform workers on the designated portal via electronic means or API within 45 days of commencement of the SS Code Central Rules. To enable this process, the eShram portal serves as a centralised registration system.
• The eShram portal enables registration of unorganised workers and allocation of a universal account number, facilitating access to employment opportunities, skill development programmes and social welfare schemes.
• Non-compliance with timely onboarding and registration requirements may result in penalties under section 133 of the SS Code, highlighting the government’s focus on formalising and regulating the platform economy.

We would like to express gratitude to JSA for their contribution on this publication.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a circular dated 1 June 2026 mandating all online aggregators to complete onboarding and API integration with the eShram portal by 21 June 2026. This initiative forms part of the broader implementation of the Code on Social Security 2020, which seeks to extend formal social security coverage to gig and platform workers.

The framework is underpinned by the Social Security (Central) Rules 2026, notified on 8 May 2026, which require aggregators to electronically submit details of gig and platform workers engaged through their platforms on the designated portal within 45 days of the rules coming into force. The eShram portal operates as a centralised system for registering unorganised workers and issuing a universal account number, enabling access to employment opportunities, skill development programmes and social welfare schemes provided by central and state authorities.

The circular notes that several major platform operators have already completed onboarding. All remaining aggregators are required to comply with the registration and API integration requirements by the prescribed deadline to enable effective data-sharing and implementation of social security measures. Failure to comply may attract penalties under section 133 of the Code on Social Security 2020.

In addition, the circular sets out a structured onboarding framework, including key roles and responsibilities of aggregators, establishment of grievance redressal mechanisms, standard operating procedures for onboarding, and prescribed details to be submitted for registration.

These measures represent a significant step towards formalising India’s gig and platform economy and expanding social security protections to a historically unregulated segment of the workforce.