Secretary of Ministry of Labour & Employment, Smt. Sumita Dawra, chaired a crucial meeting to review the social security schemes for gig and platform workers.
This meeting, held in a hybrid mode, aimed to deliberate on the various options available to provide social security coverage to this rapidly growing workforce.
Stakeholder Consultation and Global Best Practices
During the meeting, Sumita emphasized the importance of stakeholder consultation and the need to analyze global best practices.
She urged the committee of experts to carefully consider the options under flagship schemes of the Central Government, such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).
The goal is to recommend a robust framework that addresses the social security concerns of gig and platform workers.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including Shri Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC) of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), Shri Ajoy Sharma, Joint Secretary and Director General Employment, Shri Rupesh Thakur, Joint Secretary in the Ministry, and Shri Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
Representatives from industry, platform aggregators (Zomato, Swiggy), workers’ associations, knowledge partners (Niti Aayog, ILO, NCAER, OMI), and state governments also participated virtually.
Ministry of Labour & Employment: Addressing the Challenges
The committee discussed the challenges faced by gig and platform workers, such as the sporadic nature of their engagements and varying working hours.
They also addressed issues like fluctuating payouts.
The discussions also focused on the eligibility criteria and contribution mechanisms.
Additionally, there was a need for a comprehensive framework that aligns with the sectoral nuances.
She emphasized that the framework should be designed to provide coverage in areas such as life and disability, accident insurance, health and maternity.
It should also cover old age protection and crèche facilities.
The committee has been tasked with submitting its report in a time-bound manner.
The report will clearly recommend a framework addressing the social security concerns of gig and platform workers.
The Ministry will continue to work diligently to finalize a framework that supports the welfare of these workers.
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