Current Affairs for 02 November 2026

National Social Security Boards for Unorganised and Gig Workers: Powers, Functions and Significance

Why in News?

• The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the constitution of two National Social Security Boards (NSSBs) for unorganised workers and gig/platform workers on October 30, 2026.
• The boards will recommend, design and monitor social security and welfare schemes to strengthen social protection for workers in India's unorganised and emerging gig economy.
• The National Social Security Board for unorganised workers will have 40 members, while the board for gig and platform workers will have 22 members. Both boards will be chaired by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment.

What are the National Social Security Boards?

• The National Social Security Boards are statutory institutional mechanisms established under the Code on Social Security, 2020, to advise the Central Government on social security measures for unorganised, gig and platform workers.
• Their primary objective is to address the social security gap faced by workers who often lack access to formal employment benefits such as health insurance, provident fund, pension and accident protection.
• The boards will include representatives from the government, employers, workers' organisations and other relevant stakeholders.

Composition of the Boards:

• Board for Unorganised Workers: Consists of 40 members, including representatives of employees, employers, government departments and Parliament.
• Board for Gig and Platform Workers: Consists of 22 members, including representatives of the government, gig workers' organisations and digital platform aggregators.
• Chairperson: Union Minister for Labour and Employment.
• Vice-Chairperson: Labour Secretary.

The representation of organisations such as Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), Zomato's parent company Eternal, Swiggy, Zepto and Urban Company reflects the participation of workers' organisations and platform companies.

What are the Powers and Functions of the Social Security Boards?

The boards will perform advisory, monitoring and review functions to strengthen social security coverage.

Major functions include:

1. Recommendation of Welfare Schemes: Advise the Central Government on framing suitable social security schemes for unorganised, gig and platform workers.
2. Monitoring Implementation: Monitor the implementation of social welfare schemes and assess their effectiveness.
3. Review of Social Security Funds: Review expenditure from the Social Security Fund and examine its utilisation.
4. Policy Recommendations: Advise the Central Government on matters relating to the administration of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
5. State-Level Monitoring: Review record-keeping functions related to gig workers' welfare schemes performed at the state level.
6. Regular Meetings: The boards are required to meet at least three times a year.

Important: The boards primarily perform advisory, monitoring and review functions. The responsibility for framing and implementing welfare schemes rests with the appropriate government authorities.

What Social Security Benefits Will Workers Receive?

Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, the government can introduce welfare schemes covering several important areas.

Major areas of social security protection include:

• Life and Disability Cover: Financial protection against death and disability.
• Accident Insurance: Protection against occupational and other accidents.
• Health Benefits: Access to healthcare and medical protection.
• Maternity Benefits: Financial and social support during maternity.
• Old-Age Protection: Measures to provide financial security after retirement.
• Crèche Facilities: Childcare facilities for eligible workers.

These benefits aim to reduce the economic vulnerability of workers who are often excluded from traditional social security arrangements.

Social Security Fund for Gig and Platform Workers

The Code on Social Security, 2020, provides for the creation of a Social Security Fund to finance welfare measures for gig and platform workers.

Contribution by Aggregators:

• Digital platforms and aggregators such as Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy and Zomato will contribute 1–2% of their annual turnover towards the Social Security Fund.
• The contribution will not exceed 5% of the amount paid or payable to gig and platform workers by the aggregator.

Other Sources of Funding:

• Contributions from the Central Government.
• Contributions from State Governments.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions.
• Fines collected through compounding and other permitted sources.

The fund is intended to provide financial support for social security schemes covering gig and platform workers.

Aadhaar-Linked Universal Account Number (UAN)

A national registration system will help identify and register gig and platform workers so that they can access applicable social security benefits.

Key Features:

• Registration of gig and platform workers through an Aadhaar-linked Universal Account Number (UAN).
• Creation of a national database of eligible workers.
• Portability of social security benefits across states.
• Improved identification and delivery of welfare benefits.

Significance: Gig workers frequently migrate between cities and states in search of employment. A portable social security identification system can help them access eligible benefits even when their place of work changes.

Expansion of EPFO Coverage

• The Code on Social Security, 2020, also expands the coverage of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
• Under the new framework, EPF-related provisions apply to establishments employing 20 or more employees, irrespective of their industry, subject to the applicable statutory provisions.
• Earlier, coverage was linked to establishments specified under the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, and its scheduled categories.
• This expansion aims to extend formal social security coverage to a wider range of establishments and employees.

Significance of the National Social Security Boards

1. Inclusive Social Protection: The boards can help extend social security to workers who have traditionally remained outside formal welfare mechanisms.
2. Recognition of Gig Economy: The institutional framework recognises the changing nature of employment and the growing importance of platform-based work.
3. Financial Security: Benefits relating to health, accidents, maternity, disability and old age can reduce the financial vulnerability of workers.
4. Portability of Benefits: Aadhaar-linked UAN registration can facilitate access to social security benefits across different states.
5. Strengthening Labour Welfare: Participation of workers, employers and government representatives can improve policy formulation and implementation.
6. Support for Inclusive Growth: Better social protection can improve workers' economic security, productivity and quality of life.
7. Formalisation of Employment: Registration and digital databases can improve the identification and coverage of workers in the informal economy.

Major Challenges

Despite the institutional framework, several challenges may affect the effective delivery of social security benefits.

• Identification of Workers: Gig workers frequently change platforms and employment arrangements, making their identification and registration difficult.
• Funding Challenges: Adequate and regular contributions to the Social Security Fund will be essential for its long-term sustainability.
• Implementation Gaps: Coordination between the Central Government, State Governments and platform companies may create administrative challenges.
• Lack of Awareness: Many unorganised and gig workers may not be aware of their eligibility and available benefits.
• Digital Exclusion: Workers without access to digital services or adequate documentation may face difficulties in registration.
• Irregular Employment: Fluctuating earnings and multiple platform engagements make the assessment of social security contributions complicated.
• Accountability of Aggregators: Ensuring timely and transparent contributions by platform companies will require effective monitoring.

Way Forward

1. Universal Registration: Develop a simple and accessible registration mechanism to bring all eligible unorganised and gig workers under the social security framework.
2. Strengthening Institutional Coordination: Improve coordination between Central and State Governments, welfare boards and digital platforms.
3. Transparent Fund Management: Establish effective auditing, monitoring and reporting mechanisms to ensure proper utilisation of the Social Security Fund.
4. Awareness Campaigns: Conduct awareness programmes through digital platforms, local bodies and workers' organisations.
5. Portable Social Security: Ensure that benefits remain accessible to workers even when they migrate or change employment platforms.
6. Effective Grievance Redressal: Establish accessible mechanisms to resolve workers' complaints relating to registration, contributions and benefit delivery.
7. Periodic Assessment: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of welfare schemes and modify them according to changing employment patterns.

Conclusion

• The constitution of National Social Security Boards represents an important institutional step towards strengthening social protection for India's unorganised and gig workforce. 
• At a time when platform-based employment is expanding rapidly, social security must evolve beyond traditional employer-employee relationships.
• Effective implementation of the Code on Social Security, 2020, adequate financial contributions, transparent fund management and portable welfare benefits will be essential to ensure that economic growth translates into inclusive and secure employment.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

Major Somnath Sharma Martyrdom Day: Key Facts, Battle of Badgam, Param Vir Chakra and Military Courage

Why in news?

3 November marks the martyrdom anniversary of Major Somnath Sharma, who sacrificed his life during the Battle of Badgam on 3 November 1947.

Key Facts

Who was Major Somnath Sharma?

• India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee, remembered for his extraordinary courage during the Battle of Badgam.
• Major Somnath Sharma was born on 31 January 1923 in Dadh village of Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
• His father, Major General Amar Nath Sharma, was also an Indian Army officer.
• He was commissioned into the Kumaon Regiment in 1942.
• He had previously served during the Second World War, including the Arakan operations.
• During the Kashmir operations of 1947, he insisted on accompanying his company despite having his left hand in plaster due to a hockey injury. 

Historical Background: India-Pakistan War (1947-48)

• Following India's independence and Partition, the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir faced a military invasion by tribal forces backed by Pakistan.
• On 22 October 1947, the invasion began, threatening the Kashmir Valley and Srinagar.
• Maharaja Hari Singh signed the Instrument of Accession to India on 26 October 1947.
• On 27 October 1947, Indian troops were airlifted to Srinagar to defend the region.
• The Srinagar airfield became strategically important for the transportation of Indian troops and military supplies.

Battle of Badgam (3 November 1947)

• On 3 November 1947, Major Somnath Sharma's company of 4 Kumaon was ordered to conduct a fighting patrol towards Badgam in the Kashmir Valley.
• His company took up a position south of Badgam to prevent enemy forces from advancing towards Srinagar.
• An enemy force estimated at approximately 500 attacked his company from three sides.
• Despite heavy casualties and being significantly outnumbered, Major Sharma continued directing his troops and encouraging them to hold their positions.

Major Acts of Bravery

• Leadership: He repeatedly crossed exposed ground to encourage his soldiers and direct their fire.
• Personal Courage: Despite his left hand being in plaster, he continued commanding his company.
• Ammunition Management: He personally filled ammunition magazines and supplied them to light machine-gunners.
• Air Support Coordination: He placed cloth strips to guide Indian aircraft towards enemy targets.
• Supreme Sacrifice: A mortar shell exploded near ammunition, killing him during the battle.
• His company continued fighting for several hours after his death. Its resistance delayed the enemy by approximately six hours, allowing Indian reinforcements to reach positions at Humhama and strengthen the defence of Srinagar. 

Param Vir Chakra: India's Highest Wartime Gallantry Award

• The Param Vir Chakra is India's highest military decoration for exceptional bravery in the presence of the enemy.
• It recognises conspicuous courage, daring and supreme self-sacrifice during wartime operations.
• Major Somnath Sharma became its first recipient for his extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Badgam.
• The medal features four replicas of the Vajra of Indra.
• The central portion contains the State Emblem of India.
• Its design is inspired by the sacrifice of Sage Dadhichi, who gave up his body so that his bones could be used to create the Vajra.

Key Facts about Param Vir Chakra

National Recognition and Legacy

• Major Somnath Sharma is remembered as India's first Param Vir Chakra awardee.
• His name is commemorated at India's National War Memorial.
• The Indian Army continues to honour his contribution to the 1947–48 Kashmir operations.
• The Srinagar Airport war memorial, known as the Saviours of Kashmir War Memorial, has also been associated with tributes to him.

FAQs

One Health Day 2026: Key Facts, Three Pillars, Major Components, India's Initiatives, Significance and Challenges

Why in news ?

One Health Day is observed internationally on 3 November every year to highlight the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health.

Key Facts

What is One Health?

• One Health is an integrated, collaborative and multidisciplinary approach that recognises the close relationship between human health, animal health and environmental health.
• It aims to achieve optimal health outcomes by bringing together different sectors, including healthcare, veterinary science, agriculture, wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
• It recognises that diseases and health risks do not remain confined to one sector.
• It promotes coordination among governments, scientific institutions, healthcare professionals, veterinarians and environmental experts.
• It focuses on prevention, early detection, surveillance and coordinated responses to emerging health threats. 

Why was the One Health Approach needed?

• Increasing Zoonotic Diseases: Diseases such as rabies, Nipah, avian influenza and brucellosis can spread between animals and humans.
• Risk of Pandemics: Emerging infectious diseases may originate in animal populations and subsequently spread among humans.
• Antimicrobial Resistance: Excessive and inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals contributes to antimicrobial resistance.
• Environmental Degradation: Deforestation, habitat destruction and biodiversity loss can alter interactions between humans and wildlife.
• Fragmented Health Systems: Separate functioning of human healthcare, veterinary services and environmental agencies can delay disease detection and response

Three Pillars of One Health

• Human Health
  • Prevention and control of infectious diseases.
  • Strengthening public healthcare and disease surveillance.
  • Ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation.
  • Addressing antimicrobial resistance.
• Animal Health
  • Prevention and control of livestock diseases.
  • Monitoring diseases in domestic and wild animals.
  • Strengthening veterinary healthcare.
  • Ensuring food safety and animal welfare.
• Environmental Health
  • Protection of biodiversity and ecosystems.
  • Controlling air, water and soil pollution.
  • Addressing climate change and habitat destruction.
  • Maintaining ecological balance.

Major Components of the One Health Approach

• Integrated Disease Surveillance
  • Monitoring infectious diseases across human, animal and environmental sectors.
  • Early identification of emerging and re-emerging pathogens.
  • Sharing disease-related information between different departments.
• Inter-sectoral Coordination
  • Collaboration between health ministries, veterinary departments, wildlife authorities and environmental agencies.
  • Joint investigation of disease outbreaks.
  • Coordinated policy-making and emergency response.
• Research and Development
  • Development of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.
  • Genomic sequencing and pathogen monitoring.
  • Promoting interdisciplinary research.
• Antimicrobial Resistance Management
  • Promoting responsible use of antibiotics in humans and animals.
  • Monitoring antimicrobial resistance across different sectors.
  • Strengthening laboratory surveillance and infection prevention.
• Environmental and Ecosystem Protection
  • Monitoring environmental factors that influence disease transmission.
  • Conserving wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
  • Reducing pollution and ecological degradation.

Four Major International Organisations Associated with One Health

• These organisations work together to promote coordinated action on health risks at the human-animal-plant-environment interface.
• Their collaboration includes the One Health Joint Plan of Action (2022-2026), which provides a framework for strengthening One Health implementation globally. 

India's Initiatives towards One Health

• National One Health Mission
  • The National One Health Mission is an integrated initiative aimed at bringing different sectors together to address health challenges.
  • It was developed under the guidance of the Prime Minister's Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).
  • The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is the implementing agency.
  • The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser provides scientific coordination.
  • It promotes collaboration among more than 13 ministries and departments.
  • Its main objective is to establish an integrated system for disease surveillance, early detection, research and coordinated outbreak response. 
• Major Objectives:
  • Strengthening integrated disease surveillance.
  • Developing early warning systems for emerging infectious diseases.
  • Promoting research on vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics.
  • Improving data-sharing between human, animal and environmental health sectors.
  • Strengthening pandemic preparedness and response.
  • Developing institutional and technical capacities.
• National Institute of One Health (NIOH), Nagpur
  • The National Institute of One Health is located in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
  • It functions under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • It is an important institutional component of India's One Health framework.
  • It aims to promote research, disease surveillance, capacity-building and collaboration across human, animal and environmental health sectors.
• National One Health Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses (NOHP-PCZ)
  • It is a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • It is implemented through the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
  • It was originally approved in 2013 under the 12th Five-Year Plan.
  • It was initially known as the Strengthening Inter-Sectoral Coordination for Prevention and Control of Zoonotic Diseases scheme.
  • It aims to strengthen coordination among human health, veterinary, wildlife and environmental sectors.
  • It promotes surveillance, laboratory capacity, joint outbreak investigations and community awareness. 
• National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR)
  • India launched its first National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance in 2017.
  • It follows a multisectoral approach to address the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.
  • It promotes awareness, surveillance, infection prevention, research and responsible antimicrobial use.
  • It is closely linked to the One Health approach because antimicrobial resistance can spread across humans, animals, food systems and the environment.
• National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination
  • India has adopted a National Action Plan for Dog Mediated Rabies Elimination by 2030.
  • It emphasises mass dog vaccination, human rabies prevention, surveillance and inter-sectoral coordination.
  • It reflects the One Health principle by linking animal vaccination with human disease prevention. 

Major Developments and Achievements of India's One Health Mission

• National One Health Workshop (March 2026): The National Institute of One Health, Nagpur, organised a two-day national workshop on operational frameworks for One Health, focusing on translating national vision into state-level action. 
• Fifth Scientific Steering Committee Meeting (May 2026): Discussions focused on integrated surveillance, genomics and metagenomics-based monitoring, a model governance framework and coordination between ministries. 
• Sixth Scientific Steering Committee Meeting (September 2026): The committee reviewed progress in operationalising One Health beyond the initial convergence framework and emphasised institutional ownership, measurable targets and better coordination. 
• AI-based Disease Detection: The National One Health Mission has invited proposals for AI-enabled tools for early detection of emerging and novel pathogens in humans, animals and the environment. 
• Joint Outbreak Response: India has strengthened coordinated investigations involving multiple institutions to improve responses to zoonotic and emerging infectious disease threats. 

Significance of the One Health Approach

• Pandemic Preparedness: Helps identify emerging pathogens before they develop into major public health emergencies.
• Disease Prevention: Improves early detection and control of zoonotic diseases.
• Agricultural Development: Protects livestock, improves animal productivity and reduces economic losses for farmers.
• Food Security: Promotes safer food production and consumption.
• Environmental Sustainability: Connects biodiversity conservation with public health protection.
• Economic Stability: Reduces the financial burden associated with disease outbreaks.
• Global Health Security: Strengthens international cooperation and preparedness against cross-border health threats.

Challenges in Implementing One Health

• Fragmented Governance: Human health, animal health and environmental protection are managed by different ministries and departments.
• Limited Coordination: Information-sharing and joint decision-making between departments remain challenging.
• Inadequate Infrastructure: Laboratories, veterinary facilities and disease surveillance networks require further strengthening.
• Financial Constraints: Integrated research and surveillance require sustained financial investment.
• Data-Sharing Gaps: Different institutions may maintain separate databases and reporting mechanisms.

One Health and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

FAQs