Social Security Code (2020)

Acts Replaced: EPF Act, ESI Act, Maternity Benefit Act, Payment of Gratuity Act, Employees’ Compensation Act, Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, and others

Key Features:

• Coverage: Extends social security to gig workers, platform workers, plantation workers, and unorganized sector.

• Appropriate Government: Central Government covers telecom, insurance, banking, metro railways, PSUs (with ≥50% capital).

• Fixed‑Term Employment: Written contracts; benefits equal to permanent employees; proportionate gratuity eligibility.

• Contract Labour: Includes inter‑state migrant workers; excludes permanent contractor employees with full benefits.

• Funding: Contributions from Centre, States, employers, and beneficiaries to create robust welfare funds.

• Inspector‑cum‑Facilitator: New role to advise employers and workers, not just inspect.

• ESI Benefits: Workers entitled even if employer fails to register them in time.