Exciting news for delivery agents working with platforms like Zomato, Flipkart, Amazon, and Blinkit! Soon, delivery agents, often classified as gig workers, will receive benefits such as pension, provident fund (PF), and health insurance. The Modi government is preparing to introduce a new policy aimed at providing social security to gig workers across India. The Ministry of Labor is planning to announce the policy before the Union Budget, which is set to be presented by February 1.
A Big Win for Gig Workers: Pension and PF Coming Soon
Gig workers, such as delivery agents, typically do not receive the same benefits as full-time employees. They are paid per project or delivery, meaning they miss out on long-term financial support like pensions, PF, or health insurance. The upcoming policy will bridge this gap by offering them access to economic security and welfare.
Union Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has confirmed that under this new plan, delivery agents and other gig workers will receive essential social security facilities. The government is aiming to safeguard gig workers’ rights by ensuring their financial and healthcare needs are met.
Policy Implementation from February 2024
The central government plans to implement this policy from February next year, and it aims to ensure that gig workers, especially delivery agents, are not left out when it comes to social benefits. This includes access to pensions, healthcare services, and insurance.
Minister Mandaviya has also emphasized that the policy will be introduced before the next budget. The Ministry of Labor is currently holding discussions with various stakeholders, including workers and delivery agents, to ensure the policy fits the needs of gig workers.
Impact on Over 2 Crore Gig Workers in India
Gig workers represent a rapidly growing part of India’s workforce. According to data from NITI Aayog, there are currently around 65 lakh gig workers in the country. This number is expected to grow to over 2 crores in the coming years. The government is working on a plan to ensure that all these workers benefit from a uniform social security code.
The policy will bring consistency across the nation, ensuring gig workers in different regions receive similar benefits. Additionally, the government is considering a unique identification system for gig workers, which will make it easier for them to access social security schemes.
Nationwide Uniform Policy for Gig Workers
The government intends to roll out the policy uniformly across India, ensuring equal benefits for all gig workers, regardless of where they are located. Discussions are also underway to introduce a unique identification system for gig workers, which will simplify the process of distributing benefits and tracking eligibility.
Once this system is in place, it will streamline gig workers’ access to government schemes and social security benefits like health insurance, pensions, and PF.
Collaborating with Stakeholders for Maximum Impact
The Ministry of Labor is actively consulting with stakeholders, including gig workers, delivery agents, and other related groups, to make the new policy as effective as possible. These consultations aim to gather valuable insights and suggestions that will help shape the final policy.
The upcoming policy is a significant step towards recognizing the contribution of gig workers to India’s growing economy. With the inclusion of benefits like pensions and health insurance, gig workers can enjoy more financial stability and security. This move will benefit delivery agents and all gig workers in the country, offering them a better quality of life and economic assurance.
