The Indian government has mandated that platform aggregators onboard themselves and their gig workers onto the e-Shram portal, an initiative aimed at providing unorganised labour with access to various social security schemes. This step is crucial to ensure workers’ access to social welfare benefits and to maintain an accurate registry of beneficiaries.
Purpose of e-Shram Portal
The e-Shram portal serves as a nationwide database designed to facilitate social security and welfare scheme access for unorganised workers. By registering on this portal, workers will receive a Universal Account Number (UAN), which enables access to key benefits. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued an advisory with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining the responsibilities of aggregators, including the registration and data updating of workers.
Process and Guidelines
The Ministry has tested API integration with some aggregators and is moving forward with the registration process. Aggregators are required to regularly update worker details, including employment status and payments. They must also promptly report any worker exits to ensure accurate records. A toll-free helpline (14434) has been set up to assist with registration and technical issues.
Upcoming Meeting
A meeting chaired by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled for Wednesday to further engage and guide aggregators on this initiative.
Gig Workforce Statistics
According to a NITI Aayog report, India’s gig workforce is projected to grow to 2.35 crore by 2029-30 from 77 lakh in 2020-21. The report highlights that gig workers are expected to constitute 6.7% of the non-agricultural workforce by 2029-30. Gig workers are classified into platform workers, who use digital platforms, and non-platform workers, who are casual wage workers.
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