The Congress party has criticised the government’s initiatives for gig workers as insufficient and urged the establishment of a robust national social security system. Highlighting the need for comprehensive protection, Congress stressed that current steps fall short in addressing the challenges faced by gig and platform workers in India.
Congress urges a national social security framework for gig workers, criticising government steps as insufficient amid India’s growing gig economy.
New Delhi, February 2, 2025 – The Indian Congress party has described the government’s recent measures targeting gig and platform workers as half-hearted and inadequate, calling for the formulation of a dedicated national social security architecture to safeguard the interests of this rapidly growing workforce. The remarks come in response to ongoing discussions about labour reforms and social protection in India as the gig economy continues to expand.
Gig Workers and Existing Government Initiatives
The gig economy, encompassing app-based delivery personnel, ride-hailing drivers, freelance professionals, and other platform-based workers, has witnessed significant growth in India over the past decade. However, these workers often remain excluded from traditional labour protections and social security benefits, raising concerns about their economic security and welfare.
In recent months, the government has announced various steps aimed at extending social security benefits to gig and platform workers, including proposals under the Code on Social Security, 2020, which seeks to include gig workers in schemes related to health insurance, provident fund, and gratuity. Despite these efforts, Congress leaders argue that these measures lack clarity, adequate funding, and effective implementation mechanisms necessary for comprehensive coverage.
Congress’s Critique and Recommendations
Senior Congress spokespersons emphasised that the current government initiatives do not sufficiently address the unique vulnerabilities faced by gig workers. They pointed out that fragmented policies and the absence of a unified framework result in inadequate protection against income insecurity, lack of unemployment benefits, and minimal access to healthcare and pension schemes.
A party representative stated, “The government’s half-hearted steps fail to acknowledge the systemic challenges that gig workers endure daily. We urge policymakers to establish a national social security architecture that ensures universal, equitable, and sustainable benefits for all gig and platform workers across the country.”
They further recommended the creation of a statutory board or authority dedicated to the oversight and implementation of social security provisions tailored to the gig economy. This body would coordinate with state governments, platform companies, and worker representatives to build an inclusive, transparent system.
Context and Broader Implications
India’s Ministry of Labour and Employment estimates that over 15 million workers are engaged in the gig economy, with numbers projected to rise amid increasing digitalisation. The absence of structured social security mechanisms for this segment poses considerable social and economic risks, including poverty, exploitation, and inadequate healthcare access.
Globally, countries are exploring various models to extend labour protections and social benefits to gig workers, balancing flexibility with security. India’s legislative progress in this area is closely watched as a potential benchmark for emerging economies grappling with the evolving nature of work.
Conclusion
The Congress party has called attention to the shortcomings in the government’s current approach to protecting gig workers and platform employees. By advocating for a comprehensive national social security architecture, the party underscores the need for robust policies that address the welfare and rights of this vital component of India’s labour force. As the conversation around labour reforms advances, the establishment of inclusive frameworks remains a pivotal issue for policymakers, stakeholders, and workers alike.
