On December 30, 2024, Smt. Sumita Dawra, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, chaired a hybrid meeting to discuss social security schemes for gig and platform workers. This meeting, part of ongoing efforts to extend social security coverage to this growing workforce, brought together a committee of experts to explore various options.
Key officials in attendance included Shri Ramesh Krishnamurthi (CPFC, EPFO), Shri Ajoy Sharma (JS, MoLE), Shri Rupesh Thakur (JS, MoLE), Shri Ashok Kumar Singh (DG, ESIC), and other senior representatives from the Ministry, ESIC, and EPFO. Additionally, the committee members, comprising industry leaders, platform aggregators like Zomato and Swiggy, workers’ associations (IFAT), and knowledge partners (Niti Aayog, ILO, NCAER, OMI), participated virtually.
The focus of the meeting was on analyzing the current Central Government social security schemes available to unorganised workers, as well as the welfare benefits extended to those in the organised sector. The Ministry is striving to ensure comprehensive social security coverage in areas such as life and disability insurance, health and maternity, old age protection, and crèche services, in line with the Code on Social Security, 2020.
Discussions also covered the operational mechanisms, funding needs, monitoring, evaluation, and grievance redressal aspects of various schemes. Committee members highlighted sector-specific challenges, such as seasonal work fluctuations, varying working hours, and payout structures, and proposed modifications to better align the schemes with the unique dynamics of the gig economy.
In her keynote address, Smt. Sumita Dawra emphasized that the Ministry is in the final stages of consultation and urged the Committee to thoroughly assess options under flagship Central Government schemes like PM-JAY, PMJJBY, PMSBY, and PMMVY, as well as schemes available to the organised sector, to recommend a strong and inclusive framework for gig and platform workers.
She also stressed the importance of studying global best practices to set benchmarks for the welfare programs. The Secretary requested the Committee to submit its report in a timely manner, recommending a framework that addresses the social security challenges faced by this workforce, considering factors like eligibility criteria, the sporadic nature of employment, and the contribution mechanisms.
The Ministry of Labour & Employment remains dedicated to ensuring social security for all workers, including those in the gig and platform sector. This meeting marks a significant step toward achieving that goal, with continued efforts to develop a framework that secures the welfare of this vital workforce.
