Social Security for Gig Workers
Recently, the Supreme Court has issued notice to the Central Government on a PIL seeking social security for gig workers.
- The Supreme Court has also decided to examine the fact whether gig workers can also be treated as unorganized workers for providing social security cover.
- The term Gig Workers refers to workers who are employed outside of traditional employer employee relations such as fixed pay, long-term contracts, etc.
- For the first time, Gig Workers were covered under the Social Security Code, 2020. Additionally, a social security fund for gig workers will also be set up.
- There is a demand to include Gig Workers under the definition of worker within the meaning of all applicable social security laws like Contract Labor Act, Employees Compensation Act etc.
- Social Security will cover issues like “Life and Disability Cover”, “Health and Maternity Benefit”, “Old Age Security” etc.
- India leads the global Gig-economy with 24% share in the online labor market with demand for software developers, creative and marketing professionals etc.
- According to a report by the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM), India’s gig sector is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17% to US$ 455 billion by 2024.
- Gigworkers / Platform workers have been used as synonyms under the Social Security Code, 2020.
- However, platform personnel are those who reach out to organizations or individuals through online platforms like Zomato and Swiggy and provide services or solve specific problems.
Source – The Hindu
