Social Security Cover for Gig Workers:
The 2025 Budget introduced health insurance and identity registration for gig workers to improve their social security. While this addresses basic welfare needs, challenges in enforcement and sustainability remain.The gig workforce constitutes 12% of the global labour market (World Bank) and is expected to reach 23.5 million in India by 2029-30 (NITI Aayog).
- It Provides flexible employment and income opportunities, driving economic growth, especially in e-commerce and service industries.
- Challenges:
- Income insecurity due to irregular earnings.
- Lack of legal protection as gig workers do not fall under traditional labour laws.
- No employer contributions to pensions, insurance, or other social benefits.
- Existing Policy Framework
- Code on Social Security, 2020
- Recognizes gig workers as a distinct category and provides for insurance, health benefits, pensions, and a Social Security Fund.
- Budget 2025 Provisions
- Health Insurance: Coverage under PM Jan Arogya Yojana.
- Identity Registration: e-Shram portal for tracking and integrating workers into social security schemes.
- Aggregator Module: Launched to streamline registration of workers and platform companies.
