Gig workers hail health cover, ID card promises

Delivery boys have welcomed the Union govt's move to roll out identity cards and provide them with health cover. As a hub of numerous e-commerce businesses, Bengaluru is home to over 2 lakh gig workers who are set to benefit from the budgetary announcements."We have been told that we will be issued identity cards. This will give us a sense of recognition and ensure the dignity of labour. We have been told that we will also get some health benefits. This will be helpful for us as our line of work mandates a non-stop, stress-filled race against time daily," said Ashok Kumar, a 26-year-old food delivery agent and a resident of Wilson Garden.A Niti Ayog report showed that in 2020- 21, 77 lakh workers were engaged in the gig economy in the country and the number is expected to reach 2.35 crore by 2029-30.Currently, skilled jobs account for 47% of gig work, high-skilled ones 22% and low skilled jobs 31%. Some of the most visible gig workers on Bengaluru roads are those working for e-commerce platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, Blinkit, Myntra, Flipkart, BigBasket, Amazon, Urban Company, Ola and Uber.TOI interacted with a few delivery agents on the Union Budget and a majority of them were optimistic of the announcements related to them. Yashwanth KV, a gig worker from Electronics City, said: "I have been hearing stories and experiences from my colleagues on how difficult it gets when there is a health crisis. If I face any health emergency now, I have no resources to avail. As per today's announcement by the Union finance minister, my medical requirements will be taken care of. I am half relaxed and can lead my life with a little less worry."Satyajit Jana, a delivery partner with a food delivery platform for 9 years, said: "Most of us know nothing. We just wake up, work and sleep. We all are given some insurance, and I don't know if it covers just me or my entire family. The govt made a lot of promises, and this is a good one for us. But let's wait and watch how much of this comes into reality."However, for many gig workers like Pavan Kumar K, the budgetary announcement comes as an assurance. "This 10-minute or 30-minute delivery that we undertake is a major risk. Recently one of our friends met with an accident while delivering an order and couldn't avail any benefit using the company insurance as it was not accepted in all hospitals. The Centre's announcement provides security to our health."Pavan HV, a food delivery agent, remarked: "Getting any kind of health benefit from the govt will be a great relief for all the gig workers as medical expenses are scary. As of now, we don't have any health benefits, and this move by the central govt is good if it is implemented."—------BOX 1What business honchos sayIt's a much-needed upliftment and a step towards recognising gig workers' contribution to India's economy and youth employment- Aadit Palicha, co-founder & CEO, Zepto———It is very encouraging for us. It regards platforms and gig workers as an important part of India's urban landscape. The govt's decision to cover gig workers under PM Aarogya Yojana is a worthy one- Dinker Vashisht, vice-president (corporate affairs) Swiggy——-Govt-backed ID cards for gig workers would help formalise the profession in a manner. Gig work has stopped being a part-time, side occupation. For many in India, it is their primary professionMadhav Krishna, founder & CEO, Vahan.ai——MSID:: 117831544 413 |
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