UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — SOCIAL SECURITY FOR GIG AND PLATFORM WORKERS

Q1. Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, the statutory definition of a 'gig worker' is contained in which one of the following provisions?

  • A. Section 2(35)
  • B. Section 2(61)
  • C. Section 2(86)
  • D. Section 2(41)

Q2. With reference to the definitions under the Code on Social Security, 2020, consider the following statements: 1. A gig worker is a person who earns from a work arrangement outside a traditional employer-employee relationship. 2. A platform worker accesses organisations or individuals through an online platform to provide services or solve specific problems for payment. 3. 'Gig worker' and 'platform worker' were, for the first time, given statutory definitions by this Code. 4. The Code classifies gig and platform workers as part of the organised sector workforce. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. A gig worker is a person who earns from a work arrangement outside a traditional employer-employee relationship.
  2. A platform worker accesses organisations or individuals through an online platform to provide services or solve specific problems for payment.
  3. 'Gig worker' and 'platform worker' were, for the first time, given statutory definitions by this Code.
  4. The Code classifies gig and platform workers as part of the organised sector workforce.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1 and 4 only

Q3. With reference to the Code on Social Security, 2020, consider the following statements: 1. It consolidates nine central labour laws relating to social security. 2. Aggregators may be required to contribute between 1% and 2% of their annual turnover to the Social Security Fund. 3. Such aggregator contribution is capped at 10% of the amount paid or payable by the aggregator to gig and platform workers. 4. Schedule 7 of the Code specifies nine categories of aggregators. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. It consolidates nine central labour laws relating to social security.
  2. Aggregators may be required to contribute between 1% and 2% of their annual turnover to the Social Security Fund.
  3. Such aggregator contribution is capped at 10% of the amount paid or payable by the aggregator to gig and platform workers.
  4. Schedule 7 of the Code specifies nine categories of aggregators.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1, 3 and 4
  • C. 1, 2 and 4
  • D. 2, 3 and 4

Q4. Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, which one of the following bodies is empowered to recommend and monitor social security schemes specifically for gig workers and platform workers?

  • A. National Social Security Board
  • B. Central Board of Trustees, EPFO
  • C. Employees' State Insurance Corporation
  • D. Central Advisory Board on labour welfare

Q5. With reference to the e-Shram portal, consider the following statements: 1. It is used to build the National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW). 2. Each registrant is issued a Universal Account Number (UAN). 3. An Aggregator Module was added to onboard platforms and their workers. 4. The portal is administered by NITI Aayog. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. It is used to build the National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW).
  2. Each registrant is issued a Universal Account Number (UAN).
  3. An Aggregator Module was added to onboard platforms and their workers.
  4. The portal is administered by NITI Aayog.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q6. With reference to the projections in the NITI Aayog report 'India's Booming Gig and Platform Economy' (2022), consider the following statements: 1. The gig workforce, estimated at about 7.7 million in 2020-21, is projected to rise to about 23.5 million by 2029-30. 2. Gig workers' share of the non-agricultural workforce is projected to rise from about 2.6% in 2020-21 to about 6.7% by 2029-30. 3. The report found that the majority of current gig work falls in the high-skilled category. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. The gig workforce, estimated at about 7.7 million in 2020-21, is projected to rise to about 23.5 million by 2029-30.
  2. Gig workers' share of the non-agricultural workforce is projected to rise from about 2.6% in 2020-21 to about 6.7% by 2029-30.
  3. The report found that the majority of current gig work falls in the high-skilled category.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q7. According to the skill-based classification in the NITI Aayog report 'India's Booming Gig and Platform Economy' (2022), the following shares of gig work are stated: 1. About 47% is medium-skilled. 2. About 22% is high-skilled. 3. About 31% is low-skilled. 4. About 41% is in agriculture-linked services. Which of the above is/are NOT a correct representation of the report's findings?

  1. About 47% is medium-skilled.
  2. About 22% is high-skilled.
  3. About 31% is low-skilled.
  4. About 41% is in agriculture-linked services.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 1 and 4 only

Q8. With reference to state-level legislation for platform-based gig workers in India, consider the following statements: 1. Rajasthan was the first state to enact a dedicated gig workers' welfare law, in 2023. 2. Karnataka enacted its Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) law in 2025. 3. Under the Rajasthan Act, a welfare fee is levied on aggregators in relation to transactions. 4. The Rajasthan Act reclassifies registered gig workers as regular employees of the aggregators. Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. Rajasthan was the first state to enact a dedicated gig workers' welfare law, in 2023.
  2. Karnataka enacted its Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) law in 2025.
  3. Under the Rajasthan Act, a welfare fee is levied on aggregators in relation to transactions.
  4. The Rajasthan Act reclassifies registered gig workers as regular employees of the aggregators.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 1 and 4 only

Q9. In the context of the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025, the 'welfare fee' is best described as which one of the following?

  • A. A levy on aggregators set between 1% and 5% of the payout to a gig worker in each transaction, based on the category of aggregator
  • B. A flat annual registration charge paid by each registered gig worker to the welfare board
  • C. A 2% cess on the aggregator's total annual turnover payable to the central government
  • D. An amount deducted from a gig worker's earnings and remitted to the state exchequer

Q10. In the context of the onboarding of platforms on the e-Shram Aggregator Module, the term 'aggregator' is best defined as which one of the following?

  • A. A digital intermediary or marketplace that enables a buyer or user of a service to connect with the seller or service provider, and that engages gig or platform workers
  • B. A registered trade union federation that collectively represents platform workers
  • C. A statutory fund that pools and disburses social security contributions for gig workers
  • D. A state welfare board responsible for registering platform-based gig workers

Q11. The first international Convention on decent work in the platform economy (2026), extending protections to platform workers irrespective of their national employment classification, was adopted under the auspices of which one of the following?

  • A. International Labour Organization, at the 114th International Labour Conference
  • B. World Trade Organization, at a Ministerial Conference
  • C. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
  • D. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)