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Rajasthan tables Bill to guarantee social security to gig workers

The Rajasthan government presented the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers Bill, 2023, becoming the first state in India to ensure social security assurance for gig workers. As part of this initiative, the Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers Welfare Board will be established, enabling gig workers in the state to register with all the state’s aggregators.

Rajasthan Platform Based GIG Workers Bill, 2023

Ensuring Compliance and Welfare Fee Deduction

The bill aims to create a monitoring mechanism to ensure the aggregator’s adherence to the bill’s provisions and to verify the regular deduction of the welfare fee for gig workers. As per the bill, the aggregator will contribute a portion of the welfare fee either on a transactional basis or as per the instructions of the Rajasthan government.

Integrated Fee Deduction Mechanism and Penalties for Non-Compliance

The bill’s objective is to establish an integrated welfare fee deduction mechanism within the aggregator app. In the event of an aggregator’s non-compliance with the act’s provisions, the bill proposes a penalty of ₹5 lakh for the first offense and ₹50 lakh for subsequent offenses.

Empowering Gig Workers: Unique ID, Social Security Access, and Involvement in Decision-Making

The bill aims to furnish gig workers with a standardized unique ID applicable across all platforms. This distinctive identification will empower these workers to access a wide range of social security programs, both general and specific in nature.

Furthermore, it will enable them to raise grievances effectively and be heard. Additionally, by being represented on the board, gig workers will actively participate in all decision-making processes concerning their well-being.

Gig Workers in India: A Driving Force for Future Economic Growth

By 2030, India is expected to see a significant rise in the gig workforce, with projections indicating that the number of gig workers will reach 23.5 million, solidifying their crucial role in the country’s future economic growth.

Recognizing the importance of this workforce, the Code of Social Security (2020) has a dedicated section for ‘gig workers,’ which mandates employers to provide them with social security benefits.

What are Gig workers?

Gig workers includes a diverse group of independent contractors, online platform workers, contract firm workers, on-call workers, and temporary workers. They engage in formal agreements with on-demand companies to deliver services to the company’s clients.

Gig workers enjoy unique freedoms such as the ability to set their own working hours, operate from the comfort of their homes, and essentially be their own bosses.