The government is planning new rules to provide social security benefits to gig and platform workers. These are people who earn through apps or digital platforms, like food delivery riders, cab drivers, or freelancers. Now, the government has announced key rules for them. Read on to know more!
Government Announces New Rules For Gig Workers
Under the draft rules, gig workers, including those at Zomato, Swiggy, and Blinkit, must meet certain work requirements to qualify. According to News24, if a worker is associated with a single platform, they must work at least 90 days in a financial year. Workers registered on multiple platforms will need to complete 120 days in total. Each day worked on different platforms will count separately. For example, if a worker works for three platforms in a single day, it counts as three workdays.
The rules say that a worker is considered employed from the first day they earn money, no matter how small the income. Benefits will apply whether the worker is hired directly by the platform or through subsidiaries, contractors, or partner companies.
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Other Coverages And Insurance
It’s a big relief for gig and platform workers, as the government will now provide health insurance, life insurance, and accident cover. As per News25, they will also be enrolled under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, and in the future, they could get pension benefits if both platforms and workers contribute.
All gig workers aged 16 and above must register through an Aadhaar-linked process. Platforms will submit worker details to a central government portal. This will give workers a universal account number and a physical or digital identity card.
To oversee this system, the government plans to set up a National Social Security Board. How will this board operate? The board will study the number of gig workers, identify new types of platform companies, and set rules for benefits. It will include five government-nominated members representing employers and unorganised worker groups.
There is also a condition for continued benefits. Workers who do not meet the minimum workdays, 90 days on a single platform or 120 across multiple platforms, will not be eligible for social security benefits after turning 60.
How do you think these new rules will impact gig workers? Tell us in the comments below!
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Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels & Website/ Zomato