‘With no set rules, gig workers exploited as companies profit’

Raipur: Chhattisgarh govt clarified in the Assembly that gig workers are presently not classified under either the organised or unorganised sectors in the state. The labour minister said that while gig workers are covered under the Social Security Code, Chhattisgarh will wait for the Union govt to notify the relevant rules before implementing provisions.The Chhattisgarh Assembly witnessed a heated debate over the working conditions and rights of gig workers in the state. MLA Ajay Chandrakar raised concerns regarding the lack of regulations for delivery partners working with online platforms. During the question hour, Chandrakar sought a clear classification of gig workers, asking whether the state govt intends to categorise them as organised or unorganised labour. He noted that while the Social Security Code was passed in 2020, specific rules are yet to be framed, leaving young workers in Chhattisgarh vulnerable to exploitation."Gig workers are losing their lives while companies profit," Chandrakar said, highlighting the risks associated with 10-minute delivery models. He argued that several states already formulated their own rules and asked if Chhattisgarh would exercise its powers under the Concurrent List to enact a state-specific law.Replying to the queries, minister for commerce, industry, and labour Lakhan Lal Dewangan said that while they are covered under the Social Security Code, 2020, the state govt will wait for the Union govt to notify the relevant rules before implementation.