High and Dry: The Need for Accessible and Secure Social Security Frameworks for India's Gig Workers
Following widespread strikes by gig workers, the Indian Labour Ministry published draft Rules to operationalize refreshed labor codes. However, the editorial argues these rules are insufficient. While the Code on Wages excludes gig work from a standard 'employment' relationship, the new framework focuses primarily on social security contributions rather than wages or working conditions. The draft Rules require workers to register on a portal and meet specific engagement thresholds (90 days with one aggregator or 120 days across multiple). Critics argue these thresholds are restrictive and fail to account for illness, maternity, or market demand fluctuations, leaving workers structurally insecure.
Key Points
- The draft Rules require gig workers to register on a government portal and aggregators to upload worker details quarterly for social security purposes.
- To qualify for benefits, a worker must have been engaged for at least 90 days with one aggregator or 120 cumulative days across multiple aggregators in a financial year.
- The current framework treats gig work as distinct from traditional employment, exempting platforms from standard wage and working condition obligations.
- The Shram Suvidha Portal is the central tool for employer compliance, but it lacks specific provisions for the unique app-mediated gig model.
Exam Facts
- The draft Rules are part of the operationalization of the Code on Social Security and the Code on Wages.
- The Shram Suvidha Portal is the primary platform mentioned for labor law compliance and employer reporting.
- Eligibility for social security requires 90 days of engagement with one aggregator or 120 cumulative days across aggregators.
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