Sections 6 and 7 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Sections 6 and 7 of the Code on Social Security, 2020 set up the bodies that look after unorganised workers, gig and platform workers and construction workers: the National Social Security Board, a State Unorganised Workers' Social Security Board in every State, and a Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board in every State.
The Central Government shall constitute the National Social Security Board for unorganised workers, chaired by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment, with a term of three years, meeting at least thrice a year. Every State Government shall constitute a State Unorganised Workers' Social Security Board, also with a three-year term, meeting at least once in a quarter. Every State Government constitutes a Building Workers' Welfare Board, a body corporate with up to fifteen other members and equal representation of government, employers and building workers, with at least one woman member.
Section 6: the National Social Security Board (sub-sections 1 to 8)
| Sub-section | Provision |
|---|---|
| 6(1) | The Central Government shall, by notification, constitute the Board, in the prescribed manner |
| 6(2) | Chairperson: Union Minister for Labour and Employment. Vice-Chairperson: Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment. Forty members nominated by the Central Government. Member-Secretary, ex officio: the Director General Labour Welfare |
| 6(3) | All members except the Chairperson to be persons of eminence in labour welfare, management, finance, law and administration |
| 6(4) | Nomination manner, term, conditions, procedure and filling of vacancies as prescribed by the Central Government; adequate representation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities and women |
| 6(5) | Term of the Board: three years |
| 6(6) | Meets at least thrice a year |
| 6(8) | The Central Government may constitute one or more advisory committees on unorganised workers |
The forty nominated members: s.6(2)(c)
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Unorganised sector workers | Seven |
| Employers of the unorganised sector | Seven |
| Eminent persons from civil society | Seven |
| Members of Parliament (Lok Sabha two, Rajya Sabha one) | Three |
| Central Government Ministries and Departments concerned | Ten |
| State Governments | Five |
| Union territories | One |
What the Board does: s.6(7)
- Recommend to the Central Government suitable schemes for different sections of unorganised workers, gig workers and platform workers.
- Advise the Central Government on matters arising out of the administration of the Code referred to it.
- Monitor the social welfare schemes for these workers administered by the Central Government.
- Review the record-keeping functions performed at the State level.
- Review expenditure from the fund and account.
- Undertake other functions the Central Government assigns.
For gig and platform workers, s.114(6) makes this Board the body for their welfare, with a different composition; see sections 113 and 114. If you are looking at how these boards affect your workforce or scheme participation, our labour law compliance team can help.
Section 6: State Unorganised Workers' Social Security Boards (sub-sections 9 to 16)
| Sub-section | Provision |
|---|---|
| 6(9) | Every State Government shall, by notification, constitute a State Board called "(name of State) Unorganised Workers' Social Security Board" |
| 6(10) | Chairperson ex officio: the State Minister of Labour and Employment. Vice-Chairperson: Principal Secretary or Secretary (Labour). One member for the Central Government (Ministry of Labour and Employment). Thirty-one members nominated by the State Government. Member-Secretary as notified by the State |
| 6(11) | All members except the Chairperson to be persons of eminence in labour welfare, management, finance, law and administration |
| 6(12) | Nomination, term, conditions, procedure and vacancies as prescribed by the State Government; adequate representation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities and women |
| 6(13) | Term: three years |
| 6(14) | Meets at least once in a quarter |
| 6(16) | The State Government may constitute advisory committees |
The thirty-one nominated members under s.6(10)(d): seven representing unorganised workers, seven representing their employers, two representing the State Legislative Assembly, five eminent persons from civil society and ten from concerned State Government departments.
Functions (s.6(15)): recommend schemes to the State Government; advise it on referred matters; monitor State-administered social welfare schemes for unorganised workers; review record keeping at the district level; review the progress of registration and issue of cards to unorganised sector workers; review expenditure under the schemes; and take up other assigned functions.
Section 7: Building Workers' Welfare Boards
| Sub-section | Provision |
|---|---|
| 7(1) | Every State Government constitutes a Board called the "(name of State) Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board" to exercise powers and functions under s.7 and Chapter VIII |
| 7(2) | A body corporate with perpetual succession and a common seal |
| 7(3) | A chairperson nominated by the State Government, one member nominated by the Central Government, and other members not exceeding fifteen appointed by the State Government. The Board must include an equal number of members representing the State Government, employers and building workers, and at least one member must be a woman |
| 7(4) | Terms, salaries, allowances and filling of casual vacancies as prescribed by the State Government |
| 7(5) | The Board appoints a Secretary (its chief executive officer) and other staff; their terms are prescribed by the State Government |
| 7(7) | The State Government may constitute advisory committees on building workers |
Functions of the Building Workers' Welfare Board: s.7(6)
| Clause | Function |
|---|---|
| (a) | Death and disability benefits to a beneficiary or dependants |
| (b) | Pension to beneficiaries who have completed sixty years |
| (c) | Group Insurance Scheme premium, as prescribed by the appropriate Government |
| (d) | Educational schemes for children of beneficiaries |
| (e) | Medical expenses for treatment of major ailments of a beneficiary or dependant |
| (f) | Maternity benefit to beneficiaries |
| (g) | Skill development and awareness schemes |
| (h) | Transit accommodation or hostel facility |
| (i) | Any other welfare scheme formulated by the State Government in concurrence with the Central Government |
| (j) | Other welfare measures and facilities as the Central Government prescribes |
Chapter VIII, which deals with registration of building workers, the cess and the Welfare Fund, is covered in sections 106 to 108. The Central Rules, 2026 address the National Social Security Board and other welfare measures in rules 9 and 10; see rules 9 and 10. The State Boards work under the State Government's own rules.
Example. A State Building Workers' Welfare Board has nine members. Because s.7(3) requires equal numbers from the State Government, employers and building workers, it could have three of each, with at least one woman among the members.
Need help understanding scheme access for your workers?
Whether your workers are unorganised, gig or construction workers decides which board and scheme apply to them. Our labour law compliance team can help you map your workforce to the relevant Chapter and registration. Bring a list of worker categories and work sites.
Key takeaways
- The National Social Security Board has a forty-member nominated panel, a three-year term and meets at least thrice a year.
- Every State constitutes an Unorganised Workers' Social Security Board with a three-year term and quarterly meetings.
- The State Board reviews district-level record keeping and registration and cards for unorganised workers.
- The Building Workers' Welfare Board is a body corporate with equal representation of Government, employers and building workers and at least one woman.
- Its functions include death and disability benefit, pension at sixty, maternity benefit and education schemes.
Read next
- Sections 4 and 5: Central Board and ESIC
- Sections 8 and 9: disqualification and procedure of the boards
- Sections 109 to 112: schemes for unorganised workers
- BOCW Act: latest amendments and Labour Codes impact
Disclaimer: Based on the Code on Social Security, 2020 (as enacted) and, where noted, the Code on Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 (G.S.R. 344(E), 8 May 2026), as on 30 September 2026. The Code is in force from 21 November 2025; some provisions may be notified later, and State Governments make their own rules for establishments where the State is the appropriate Government. Verify the current position before acting.