Delivery agents working with platforms like Zomato, Flipkart, Amazon, and Blinkit are about to receive new benefits such as pension, provident fund (PF), and health insurance.
The Modi government is planning to introduce this policy soon, likely before February 1, as part of efforts by the Labor Ministry to offer better social security.
Currently, gig workers, including delivery agents, are paid based on the number of deliveries they complete and don’t receive benefits like pension or insurance.
The new policy aims to change that by offering these much-needed social security benefits.
Financial Security for Gig Workers
The central government is developing a policy that will provide financial security for gig workers—those who work on a project or task basis, like delivery agents.
Union Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that this policy will offer gig workers benefits such as pension and healthcare services.
The goal is to ensure that gig workers, who often miss out on full-time employee benefits, receive the same protections.
Policy Implementation from February Next Year
According to Mandaviya, the new policy is expected to take effect from February next year. The Ministry of Labor aims to roll out this plan before the next budget.
Health services and other social security benefits, including insurance, are being considered for inclusion. Discussions with various worker groups are ongoing to finalize the policy.
Millions of Gig Workers to Benefit
As per Niti Aayog data, there are around 65 lakh gig workers in India, and this number could rise to over 2 crore soon.
The government is focused on establishing a social security code specifically for gig and platform-based workers.
Uniform Policy Across India
This new policy will apply uniformly across the country, ensuring gig workers receive the same benefits no matter where they are.
The government is also considering introducing a unique identification number system to simplify access to social security benefits, making it easier for gig workers to receive government support.
Stakeholder Consultations Underway
The Labor Ministry is in discussions with all relevant stakeholders to gather feedback on the policy.
Once finalized, the policy will be implemented quickly to provide gig workers with benefits like pension, health insurance, and other security measures.
This step marks an important move by the government to ensure economic stability for workers in the growing gig economy.
