Centre Encourages Platform Workers to Register on e-Shram Portal for Official Recognition

Centre Encourages Platform Workers to Register on e-Shram Portal for Official Recognition

The Union Budget for 2025-26 has introduced initiatives for platform workers, including registration on the e-Shram portal, issuance of ID cards, and healthcare coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).

The Ministry of Labour and Employment will roll out schemes to support these initiatives, and registration on the portal will enable workers to access a variety of benefits.

About Gig and Platform Workers

Definition:

• Gig Workers: Individuals working outside the traditional employer-employee setup. This group includes:
  • Platform Workers: Those who rely on online platforms or digital apps for work.
  • Non-Platform Gig Workers: Casual wage workers and self-employed individuals in more traditional sectors.

Economic Impact:
India’s gig workforce is projected to reach 10 million by 2024-25, growing to 23.5 million by 2029-30 (NITI Aayog).

Challenges Faced by Gig and Platform Workers

• Lack of Social Security: Gig and platform workers are not covered under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) or other welfare schemes.
• Unstable and Low Income: Workers often face high platform commissions, arbitrary account deactivations, and reliance on ratings for work opportunities, resulting in unstable earnings.
• Physical and Mental Strain: Long working hours, financial stress, and pressure to meet targets negatively impact their well-being.

As the Budget acknowledges the growing contribution of gig and platform workers to the economy, it is crucial to offer them a social safety net, including minimum wages, regulated work hours, and access to healthcare.

Initiatives for Gig and Platform Workers

• Code on Social Security, 2020: Establishes provisions for creating social security schemes specifically for gig and platform workers.
• e-Shram Portal: Aims to create a comprehensive national database for unorganized workers.
• Survey: The All India Survey on Domestic Workers will help estimate the number and proportion of domestic workers in India.

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