NEW DELHI, On: 14 OCT 2025 In a significant move to formalize platform-based work, the Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Zomato today to list approximately 2.5 lakh flexible livelihood opportunities annually on the National Career Service (NCS) portal. The partnership aims to connect youth and women job seekers with structured, technology-enabled livelihoods in the growing gig economy.
The signing ceremony was graced by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of State Ms. Shobha Karandlaje, and Labour Secretary Ms. Vandana Gurnani, highlighting the strategic importance of this collaboration.
Formalizing Platform Work
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the initiative would “integrate platform economy roles into the formal employment system,” providing dignified livelihood opportunities while leveraging the NCS platform’s extensive reach. The portal, which has mobilized over 7.7 crore vacancies since its 2015 launch, will now feature a dedicated ‘Aggregator’ category for platform-based roles.
Aligning with Broader Social Security Goals
Ms. Karandlaje underscored the MoU’s alignment with the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) and the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, emphasizing the government’s focus on extending social protection to all workers, including those in unorganized sectors.
Secretary Gurnani highlighted India’s recent ISSA Award recognition for expanding social security coverage from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025, covering 94 crore citizens. She expressed hope that leading platforms like Zomato would join efforts to extend social security benefits to gig and platform workers.
Expanding Ecosystem of Employment Partners
The Zomato partnership marks the 15th such collaboration in the past year, following MoUs with major organizations including Amazon, Swiggy, Rapido, and Apna.co. Collectively, these partnerships have mobilized over five lakh employment opportunities, creating an expanding ecosystem that bridges the gap between job seekers and industry while adding new vigor to India’s economic growth.
The initiative is expected to roll out new opportunities around Diwali, providing a timely boost to job seekers and reinforcing the government’s commitment to dignified employment and sustainable livelihoods for all workers.