The Congress party has criticized the government’s efforts to support gig workers as insufficient and called for the establishment of a comprehensive national social security architecture. With the gig economy expanding rapidly, the party emphasized the urgent need for robust policies to safeguard the rights and welfare of gig and platform-based workers.
Congress demands a national social security framework for gig workers, criticizing government measures as insufficient amid India’s growing gig economy.
New Delhi, February 2, 2025 – The Indian National Congress on Sunday expressed concerns over the government’s approach toward addressing the challenges faced by gig workers, labeling the current measures as half-hearted. The party stressed the necessity of formulating a national social security framework that adequately protects the growing workforce engaged in the gig and platform economy.
Growing Importance of Gig Economy
The gig economy has witnessed significant growth in India over the past decade, with millions relying on freelance, contract, and platform-based jobs for their livelihoods. Workers engaged in ridesharing, food delivery, freelancing, and other app-based services often lack formal employment benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and paid leave. This has sparked nationwide discussions on safeguarding their rights and providing social security.
Congress Demands Comprehensive Social Security Architecture
Addressing the issue, Congress leaders pointed out that the government’s recent measures fall short of meeting the needs of gig workers. They highlighted that existing schemes are fragmented and lack uniformity, leaving many workers vulnerable. The party called for a unified, legislated national framework that ensures access to social security benefits, fair wages, and dispute resolution mechanisms tailored to gig economy realities.
“While the government has taken some steps, they do not address the root causes or the scale of the challenges faced by gig workers,” a senior Congress spokesperson remarked. “We urge the government to adopt a holistic national social security architecture that not only protects but empowers this essential workforce.”
Government’s Current Initiatives
In recent years, the government has launched initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan and various welfare funds targeting unorganised sector workers, which include some gig workers. However, critics argue that identification, enrolment, and benefit distribution remain inconsistent, limiting the schemes’ effectiveness for the gig workforce.
Experts Weigh In
Labour economists note the complexity of formalizing protections for gig workers, given their diverse and flexible employment arrangements. They emphasize the need for innovative policy frameworks that balance flexibility with social security. “A national social security architecture must be adaptable, inclusive, and enforceable across different sectors,” said labour policy expert Dr. Anjali Menon.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate underscores the urgency of addressing social security gaps faced by gig workers amid India’s expanding digital economy. As calls for comprehensive reforms intensify, policymakers face the challenge of creating sustainable, equitable solutions that recognize and support the evolving nature of work in the 21st century.
