NGOs urge govt to implement gig workers’ social security law in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: Civil rights groups have called on the Bhajan Lal Sharma govt to implement the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023, which was passed a year ago under the previous Gehlot govt. At a press conference held in Jaipur on Monday, Nikhil Dey, founder of the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), expressed concern over the delay.

“It has been a year since the Act was passed, but the govt has failed to implement it. This Act promised much-needed social security for gig workers in almost every district of Rajasthan. The delay in implementing this law continues to leave thousands of gig workers in the state without the social security net they were promised,” Dey said. Estimates say that around 3.5 lakh people are covered under the Act.

He said gig workers cannot live dignified lives without the law being enforced. Rajasthan was the first state in India to pass such legislation, but the change in govt in Dec 2023 has stalled its progress, as the new BJP administration has not framed the necessary rules for implementation. Sharing a case, 33-year-old Asghar Khan, who met with an accident while delivering for Swiggy in March 2024, suffered two fractures in his knee and was advised three months of bed rest. “Despite assurances from the company to cover his medical expenses and compensate for lost income, he has received no support. All company policies are on paper only, and gig workers receive no real compensation, Khan is frustrated,” Dey said.

Adding to these concerns, Paras Banjara of SAFAR organisation pointed out that although the govt allocated Rs 250 crore in the 2024-25 Budget for gig workers' welfare, no concrete scheme or programme has been implemented. “This inaction has eroded the trust of gig workers in govt’s promises,” Banjara said.

Extend social security benefits to gig workers, assn tells govt

The Gig Workers Association is urging the government to extend social security benefits like ESI and PF to gig workers, following a move to register them on the e-Shram portal. They propose sharing costs among gig workers, aggregators, and the government. The association praised efforts for worker registration and hopes for further integration into social security frameworks.

Family of dead gig worker receives Rs 4 lakh insurance

A year after Karnataka's chief minister launched an insurance scheme for gig workers, Arjun Poojar's family received Rs 4 lakh following his death in a road accident. Enrolled just ten days prior, this is the first recorded claim under the Karnataka State Gig Workers Insurance Scheme. Labour minister Santosh Lad handed over the cheque to Arjun's father.

Kin of dead gig worker get Rs 4L insurance

A year after Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah introduced insurance for gig workers, a 21-year-old delivery boy's family received Rs 4 lakh following his fatal road accident. This is the first recorded claim under the Karnataka State Gig Workers Insurance Scheme, which covers about 2.3 lakh gig workers in the state.