FROM TERRITORIALITY   TO PORTABILITY: A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION UNDER SOCIAL SECURITY CODE, 2020

AUTHOR – S. NATHIJA, STUDENT AT THE TAMILNADU DR. AMBEDKAR LAW UNIVERSITY

BEST CITATION – S. NATHIJA, FROM TERRITORIALITY   TO PORTABILITY: A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF UNIVERSAL REGISTRATION UNDER SOCIAL SECURITY CODE, 2020, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 6 (4) OF 2026, PG. 1062-1066, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

I.Abstract:

The Code on Social Security, 2020, represents a major reform in India’s labour welfare system by consolidating nine existing social security legislations into a single comprehensive framework. The primary objective of the Code is to expand social security coverage to all categories of workers, including those in the organised, unorganised, gig, and platform sectors. By integrating multiple laws into a unified structure, the Code aims to simplify compliance, strengthen institutional mechanisms, and ensure wider access to benefits such as provident fund, insurance, gratuity, pension, and maternity benefits. A key feature of the Code is the introduction of universal registration of workers, particularly those in the unorganised sector.Portability ensures that workers, especially migrant and gig workers who frequently change employment or location, can continue to access their social security entitlements without losing accumulated benefits. This approach reflects the changing nature of labour markets and the increasing mobility of the workforce. However, despite its progressive objectives, the implementation of universal registration raises certain concerns. Therefore, while the Code on Social Security, 2020 marks a significant step toward inclusive and portable social protection, its success ultimately depends on effective implementation, technological accessibility, and strong institutional coordination to ensure that benefits truly reach all segments of the workforce.

II.Keywords:

Universal Registration,Social Security Coverage,Portability of Benefits, e-shram portal, Aadhaar based identification