India’s gig economy is receiving unprecedented attention in Budget 2025. With over 1 crore gig and platform workers driving essential services across the country, the government has rolled out a series of targeted initiatives to uplift this informal yet indispensable segment of the workforce. From expanded social security coverage and streamlined e-Shram registration to a revamped PM Swanidhi scheme, these measures are designed to formalize, support, and empower gig workers.
For businesses operating in Delhi-NCR and Chennai, where the demand for gig workers is accelerating across logistics, retail, mobility, and food delivery, these policy shifts demand immediate attention. Forward-looking companies that embrace these reforms early will gain a competitive edge in talent retention, regulatory compliance, and brand value.
Budget 2025: Key Announcements Impacting Gig Workers
1. Expanded Social Security for Gig Workers
Budget 2025 outlines the government’s commitment to extend social security benefits—including health insurance, pension, life insurance, and maternity support—to gig and platform workers through a contributory model. This will be implemented in phases, with employer and government co-contributions to a dedicated welfare fund.
2. Strengthening the e-Shram Portal
The e-Shram portal has now been integrated with real-time labor market data, Aadhaar-based ID, and UAN (Universal Account Number) functionality, simplifying access to welfare schemes for workers. Registration will be mandatory for availing any government-linked benefits, including insurance and credit schemes.
3. PM Swanidhi Scheme 2.0
The revamped PM Swanidhi scheme now includes gig workers such as delivery partners and freelancers, offering collateral-free microcredit, digital onboarding, and financial literacy support. This is especially relevant in urban hotspots like Delhi-NCR and Chennai, where informal sector workers need access to capital to scale their service-based operations.
Delhi-NCR: Leading the Way in Gig Worker Formalization
As the national capital region, Delhi-NCR is at the forefront of labor reform implementation. With its vast and diverse gig workforce in delivery, logistics, and transport, the region is set to become a testing ground for Budget 2025’s policy rollout.
Employers must now contribute to gig worker budget 2025 Delhi compliance by:
- Onboarding workers into the e-Shram database
- Participating in co-funded welfare contributions
- Offering access to digital benefits platforms
Chennai: A Rising Gig Economy Hub
Chennai has emerged as a key growth market for the gig economy in South India. With its growing e-commerce, hyperlocal delivery, and IT services footprint, the city has seen a surge in demand for flexible, on-demand talent.
With Budget 2025’s new framework, Chennai gig worker benefits are becoming a crucial part of employment strategy. Employers must integrate tools to:
- Manage worker benefits digitally
- Link workers to e-Shram and credit schemes
- Track hours worked and automate social security contributions
How Marketplace Empowers Businesses in a Changing Policy Landscape
At Marketplace, we help companies adapt to evolving labor reforms and empower their gig workforce with tech-enabled solutions. Whether you manage a fleet of delivery partners, field service workers, or freelance professionals, our platform helps you:
- Digitally onboard gig workers
- Track earnings for benefits calculations
- Automate contributions to insurance and pension
- Educate workers on e-Shram registration for gig workers
- Ensure audit-ready compliance in real-time
Why Early Adoption Matters
1. Stay Legally Compliant
Avoid penalties by preparing your systems for gig worker regulations and new reporting standards.
2. Strengthen Brand Perception
Be seen as a responsible employer in India’s gig economy by offering transparency and benefits.
3. Retain Talent Through Benefits
Increase worker retention and satisfaction with access to verified schemes and protections.
What Should Employers Do Today?
- Audit your gig workforce
- Link eligible workers with the e-Shram platform
- Adopt workforce management systems
- Support gig worker access to schemes like PM Swanidhi and health insurance
- Stay informed and ahead of policy changes
Final Thoughts: Budget 2025 Marks a Turning Point
The government’s Budget 2025 initiatives are not just policy shifts—they’re a call to action for businesses to co-create a fairer, more sustainable future of work. For employers in Delhi-NCR and Chennai, this means adapting fast, embracing transparency, and investing in digital infrastructure to support a growing and essential workforce.
Start your journey with Marketplace to navigate gig workforce changes in Budget 2025—and lead with purpose and preparedness.