The Union Labour Ministry has announced the formation of an expert committee tasked with developing a social security framework for gig workers in India. This move comes as part of a broader initiative to integrate gig workers into the formal economy and provide them with comprehensive welfare benefits.
Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed on Wednesday that the committee will engage with various stakeholders within the gig economy to design an “inclusive social-security framework” tailored to the unique needs of gig workers. This initiative aims to address gaps in the current system and ensure that gig workers, who often lack traditional employment benefits, receive adequate protection.
The Indian gig economy is projected to grow significantly, with estimates suggesting it could reach a valuation of $455 billion, expanding at a compounded annual growth rate of 17%, according to a report by the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India. Despite this rapid growth, there remains a scarcity of detailed data regarding the employment and business generated by gig platforms, which include ride-hailing services like Uber and Ola, as well as food delivery apps such as Swiggy and Zomato.
During the announcement, Mandaviya urged platform representatives to expedite the registration of gig workers on the e-Shram portal, a national database designed to include informal workers. Currently, the portal boasts 300 million members. Upon registration, gig workers will receive a Universal Account Number (UAN), which will enable them to access various government welfare schemes, including health insurance and free portable rations.
Companies participating in the initiative include major platform-based firms such as Urban Company, Swiggy, Instamart, Zomato, Blinkit, Porter, Even Cargo, Amazon, Uber, and Ola. The government’s push to incorporate gig workers into this welfare system underscores its commitment to enhancing the protection and benefits available to this growing sector of the workforce.
The expert committee’s recommendations are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of social security for gig workers, ensuring they are afforded the same protections and opportunities as their traditionally employed counterparts.
Sources By Agencies
