India Prepares Social Security Framework for Growing Gig Workforce

India anticipates a significant expansion of its gig workforce, estimating a rise to 2.5 crore by the decade's end. In response, the government is initiating consultations with fund managers to establish social security schemes for these workers, according to the labour ministry.

At present, around 1 crore individuals are employed in gig roles, notably in app-based sectors like food delivery and ride-hailing. To support this workforce, all related platforms are required to update their workforce information on the government's e-Shram portal by June 22, as stated by Ashutosh A T Pednekar from the labour ministry.

During the 'Stakeholders Consultation on Opportunities and Challenges of Gig and Platform Workers in India', Pednekar emphasized the growing integration of workers in the gig economy and the introduction of the Code on Social Security. This code aims to operationalize social security via mechanisms such as the National Social Security Board, particularly for unorganised workers.

The government also plans to implement various schemes related to accident and maternity benefits, working closely with fund managers to ensure these become operational. The e-Shram portal is designed to track benefits in real-time, similar to transformative platforms like UPI and Aadhaar.

The event featured insights from Michiko Miyamoto of the ILO, highlighting the rapid assimilation of platform work into India's economic framework, and the pivotal role of social security in realizing India's broader developmental vision.

(With inputs from agencies.)