India’s Social Security Push for Gig Workers
India is planning a new central scheme to provide social security benefits to gig workers like app-based delivery drivers and freelancers.
The scheme includes health coverage under Ayushman Bharat, and gig workers can register on the eShram portal to access benefits.
A unique pension system will track each worker’s earnings through a universal account number and ensure companies contribute to their pension.
This is significant because it recognizes that gig workers often work for multiple platforms, unlike traditional employees.
Issues with the Current System
Although India is a founding member of the ILO, it hasn’t ratified the ILO’s basic social security convention from 1952.
India’s new Code on Social Security aims to create a unified system but has unclear rules and is slow to implement.
The Code depends on welfare boards, which often underperform — for example, thousands of crores collected for worker welfare have gone unused.
Even in states like Kerala, known for strong worker protection, most welfare boards aren’t functioning effectively.
Problems with a Piecemeal Approach
India’s current approach addresses only specific groups (like gig workers now, and beedi workers earlier), reacting only when new work types emerge.
This strategy fails to consider the entire informal workforce, which is unstable and diverse.
Treating gig workers separately could create unfair differences with other informal workers like domestic or farm workers.
Hoping gig work alone will fix informal employment is unrealistic — many other types of informal work still lack protection.
The Way Forward: Universal Protection
India needs a stronger, long-term system that covers all kinds of workers, not just select categories.
The existing Social Security Code can be a base, but states should build on it to create more inclusive and practical protections.
Universal social protection — with both broad and targeted benefits — is key to preparing for future changes in the job market.
The goal should be to leave no worker behind, regardless of the nature of their job.
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