The Government of Jharkhand on January 06, 2026, issued the Jharkhand Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2025 to safeguard platform-based gig workers' rights and impose responsibilities on platforms concerning social security, occupational health and safety, transparency in automated systems, and dispute resolution. Also, to establish a Welfare Board and a Welfare Fund for platform-based gig workers, register them and the platforms within the State and address related matters.
It extends to the whole of the State of Jharkhand. It shall come into force on such date as the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint:
Provided that the provisions of the Act shall be deemed to have commenced on the one hundred and twentieth day from the date of enactment, or on the date of notification, whichever is earlier. It applies to
(a) an aggregator operating in the State of Jharkhand.
(b) an aggregator providing any one or more services specified in the Schedule.
(c) any service or work being carried out in the state of Jharkhand, and any service or work being carried out that meets with the definition of gig worker, aggregator, and platform as defined respectively under section 2 (b), (e), and (i) of the Act.
The key highlights are as stated:
Welfare Fund Creation
The State Government will establish the “Jharkhand Platform Based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund” for registered gig workers. The fund will include contributions from aggregators, workers, government grants, CSR funds, and other sources.
Utilisation of Fund
The fund will be used for board expenses, welfare schemes, and other measures for gig workers as prescribed by the State Government.
Aggregator Contribution
Aggregators must pay a welfare contribution between 1% to 2% of their annual turnover (excluding taxes). Payments are to be made quarterly, with the start date notified by the State Government.
Cessation Clause
The contribution will stop once the Social Security Fund under the Code on Social Security, 2020 becomes applicable. Existing funds will continue to be used only for state-specific welfare schemes.
Transparency & Monitoring
All fund collections and utilisation will be tracked through a Central Transaction Information and Management System (CTIMS) for transparency and inspection.
Exemptions for Aggregators
Aggregators providing welfare benefits may get up to 50% exemption in contributions, subject to verification and compliance by the Board.
Rights of Gig Workers
Gig workers are entitled to registration, social security benefits, fair and timely pay, safe working conditions, transparent contracts, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Fair Pay & Work Conditions
Workers must be paid at least weekly, with minimum remuneration based on time and distance. Any deductions must be clearly explained.
Contracts & Transparency
Contracts must be clear, in simple language, and include key terms like insurance, work allocation, and termination conditions. Workers must be informed of any changes in advance.
Grievance Redressal
Workers can raise complaints through designated officers, portals, or helplines. Appeals can be made within 90 days, and aggregators must also form internal dispute committees.
Aggregator Responsibilities
Aggregators must ensure non-discrimination, timely payments, worker registration on e-Shram, transparency in pricing, and provision of a human support contact.
Penalties & Offences
Non-compliance can attract penalties starting from ₹50,000, with additional daily fines for continuing violations. Specific offences may attract penalties up to ₹10 lakh.
Helpline Support
The State may establish toll-free helplines to assist with registration, grievance handling, and awareness of welfare schemes.
[Notification No. LG-03/2025-58/Leg]
