Government Fast-Tracks Social Security for Gig Workers

The government is set to implement social security measures for gig and platform workers, introducing benefits like accident insurance and health coverage. Authorities are urging platform companies to integrate worker data with the e-Shram portal by June 22 to streamline access to welfare schemes.

The government is expediting plans to extend social security benefits, including accident insurance and health coverage, to gig and platform workers. Emphasizing the strategic significance of the gig economy, authorities aim to integrate worker data with the e-Shram portal by the rapidly approaching June 22 deadline.

Speaking at a stakeholders' consultation organized by FICCI, Ashutosh Pednekar, Joint Secretary and Director General, Labour Welfare, Ministry of Labour and Employment, confirmed governmental moves to enact the Code on Social Security and implement dedicated welfare mechanisms for this sector.

The government has already received approval to activate the National Social Security Board for Gig and Platform Workers. Additionally, they are operationalizing a Social Security Fund to finance these initiatives, ensuring protections like accidental coverage and maternity benefits. Meanwhile, the integration of aggregator databases with the e-Shram portal is expected to facilitate real-time tracking and digital access to benefits through an app-based system.