Gig Workers' New Era: Centre Drafts Social Security Rules for Zomato, Swiggy

• Central government releases draft rules for social security benefits for gig and platform workers, including Zomato, Swiggy delivery partners and cab drivers.
• New laws will provide minimum wages, health benefits, occupational safety, insurance, and maternity leave.
• Eligibility requires 90 days with one organization or 120 total days across multiple organizations in the last financial year.
• Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya aims to cover 100 crore workers by March 2026, with full implementation by April 2026.
• Amidst union protests over low income and job security, Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal reported record New Year deliveries, refuting exploitation claims.

Why It Matters: Government moves to provide social security, minimum wages, and benefits to millions of gig workers.