social security policy gig workers workers associated with online platforms under consideration mandaviya

New Delhi. Union Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said a policy to provide social security benefits like pension and healthcare to 'gig' workers working on work-based payments is under process. Speaking to reporters here, Mandaviya said that NITI Aayog has estimated that there are 65 lakh workers associated with gig activities and online platforms in the country. But considering the rapid growth taking place in this segment, this number is likely to exceed two crore.

He said that the service sector is rapidly turning towards online medium for the convenience of consumers and is expanding its operations. In view of this, the government is busy preparing the Social Security Code for the workers associated with gig and online platforms. “We cannot deprive gig workers of their rights until the implementation of the Code,” the Labor Minister said. We will have to bring a policy before that.'' He said that the Labor Ministry wants to bring this policy as soon as possible. “I want to do a lot before the next budget,” he said.

Earlier, Mandaviya chaired a meeting with representatives of various organizations and groups of workers associated with gig and online platforms. In this he told that at present the ministry is working on providing social security and health services or insurance to these workers through a new policy. Mandaviya also assured that the new policy will be legally binding across the country. He said that many suggestions have come like creating a unique identification number to provide social security and other benefits. He said that the ministry is considering all the suggestions.

Disclaimer: Prabhasakshi has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.