The landscape of work in India is rapidly evolving, with the number of gig workers projected to reach a staggering 23.5 million by 2029-30. This shift has prompted the Congress party to ramp up its efforts to address the needs and rights of these workers, who play an essential role in the country's economy.

Rise of Gig Workers in India

According to a recent report by NITI Aayog, the number of gig workers has increased significantly from 7.7 million in 2020-21. The report highlights that gig workers currently account for 2.6 percent of the non-agricultural workforce in India. By 2029-30, this figure is expected to rise, constituting 6.7 percent of the non-agricultural workforce. This substantial increase emphasizes the importance of implementing social security measures to safeguard their interests.

Legislative Developments

The Congress party has taken substantial steps to champion the cause of gig workers. In 2023, the Rajasthan government, then led by Congress, became the first in India to pass a law aimed at ensuring the welfare of gig workers. The Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill was introduced to guarantee social security for these workers. Although the bill was granted assent by the governor in September 2023, the subsequent BJP government has yet to implement it, highlighting the ongoing political shifts affecting worker rights.

Momentum in Other States

Following Rajasthan's pioneering legislation, Congress-led states such as Karnataka and Telangana are working towards similar laws. In May 2023, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi engaged with gig workers in Bengaluru, riding alongside a delivery person and discussing their challenges, including long working hours, low wages, and the lack of job security. This direct interaction has translated into a promise to introduce legislation similar to Rajasthan's, indicating the party's commitment to addressing these workers' concerns.

In Karnataka, a Gig Workers Bill is expected to be tabled in the winter session of the assembly. This draft bill aims to provide a grievance redressal mechanism and protect gig workers—such as cab drivers, personal care providers, and delivery personnel—from arbitrary termination. To fund welfare initiatives, the government proposes a 1-2 percent transaction fee on deliveries made through aggregator platforms like Zomato and Swiggy. The collected fees will be allocated to a welfare board, facilitating the implementation of social security measures for gig workers.

Proposed Transaction Fee

The proposed 1-2 percent transaction fee will specifically target transport charges. This fee will be charged on delivery charges for food and e-commerce firms, and fares for ride-hailing services. As Mohammad Mohsin, the principal secretary of the labor department, stated, this measure is intended to ensure that funds are available for social security measures.

Despite the potential benefits of these measures, aggregator platforms have expressed concerns regarding compliance with the new regulations, particularly about data sharing requirements under the Central Transaction Information Management System (CTIMS). Aggregators fear that sharing detailed transaction data could lead to misuse by competitors, complicating the implementation of the welfare measures.

Support from Workers' Unions

Shaik Salauddin, president of the Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (GPWU), has been vocal about the issues faced by gig workers. In November 2022, he presented a list of grievances to Rahul Gandhi, highlighting the pressing need for social security and better working conditions. Salauddin emphasized the importance of involving worker representatives in policy-making processes, urging all state governments and the Union government to take immediate action for gig worker welfare.

In light of the expected growth in the gig economy, Salauddin and other advocates call for laws that establish a welfare board, provide basic wages, and ensure social security for gig workers. They argue that as gig work becomes more prevalent, it is imperative that workers receive the protections and rights they deserve.

Future Prospects

The Congress party's initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the need to address the challenges facing gig workers in India. As gig employment continues to expand, ensuring the rights and welfare of these workers will be critical to fostering a more equitable labor market. The legislative efforts in states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Telangana signal a shift towards greater support for gig workers, setting a precedent that could influence national policy in the future.

The upcoming Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill aims to not only address immediate concerns but also pave the way for comprehensive solutions that can adapt to the changing landscape of work. With continued advocacy and legislative action, gig workers may soon see a more secure and stable future.

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