The Ministry of Labour and Employment is making significant progress in developing a comprehensive social security framework for gig and platform workers, marking a critical step toward addressing the challenges faced by this emerging workforce segment. A high-level meeting chaired by Secretary Sumita Dawra on Monday convened senior officials, industry representatives, and experts to discuss the framework’s development and implementation.
The hybrid meeting included key participants such as Central Provident Fund Commissioner Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Joint Secretaries Ajoy Sharma and Rupesh Thakur, and Director General of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation Ashok Kumar Singh. Representatives from companies like Zomato and Swiggy, workers’ associations such as the Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers, and knowledge partners from organizations including Niti Aayog, the International Labour Organization, the National Council of Applied Economic Research, and the Ola Mobility Institute also joined the discussions.
The agenda focused on reviewing existing social security schemes available for unorganised workers and exploring how benefits from these schemes could be extended or adapted for gig and platform workers. Central schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana were assessed as potential models to provide coverage for areas like life and disability insurance, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, old-age protection, and childcare facilities.
Special attention was given to the unique dynamics of the platform economy, including irregular work hours, seasonal income fluctuations, and inconsistent payouts. Modifications to existing schemes were proposed to better align with the specific needs of gig workers. Discussions also addressed operational mechanisms, funding strategies, monitoring and evaluation systems, and grievance redressal processes.
In her address, Sumita Dawra stressed the importance of thorough stakeholder consultations and urged the committee to evaluate flagship government programs and international best practices. She underscored the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring that gig and platform workers have access to the same level of social security as their counterparts in the organised sector.
The Ministry has directed the committee to submit its recommendations in a time-bound manner, focusing on crafting a framework that safeguards the welfare and well-being of gig and platform workers. This initiative represents a vital step in formalizing protections for a workforce that is increasingly central to India’s economic landscape.
