Govt to consider social security option under existing schemes for gig, platform workers

Labour and employment secretary Sumita Dawra has advised the committee on gig and platform workers to carefully analyse the social security options under flagship schemes of the government related to insurance and pension schemes as it firms up the framework to provide social security cover to gig and platform workers. “The government is in advanced stages of multiple stake-holder consultation and the committee should analyse carefully the options under flagship schemes of the central government as well those available to the organised sector, in order to recommend a robust framework of social security for the gig and platform workers,” Dawra said while addressing a meeting with experts on the upcoming social security policy for gig and platform workers.

As per the statement issued by the ministry of labour and employment on Monday, Dawar was referring to central schemes such as PM-Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY), PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PM-JJBY), PM Suraksha Bima Yojana (PM-SBY), and PM Matru Vandana Yojana (PM-MVY).

“Global best practices may also be thoroughly analysed before finalising the framework in order to set a benchmark in framing the welfare schemes,” Dawra said at the meeting, reiterating that the committee should submit its report in a time bound manner clearly recommending the framework addressing the social security concerns of this uncovered workforce.

Dawra also instructed that the committee should diligently consider the factors like eligibility criteria, sporadic nature of engagement in the industry along with contribution mechanisms while firming up its recommendations.

At the meeting Dawra emphasised that the ministry is committed to ensuring social security benefits to all workers, including those in the gig and platform sector. “This meeting marks a crucial step towards achieving that goal, and the ministry will continue to work diligently to finalize a framework that supports the welfare of these workers,” the ministry said in a statement.Representatives from industry, platform aggregators (Zomato, Swiggy), workers’ association, NITI Aayog and the International Labour Organisation along with representatives from central and state governments attended the meeting.