The Indian government has issued a directive to all digital platform aggregators, including Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, Blinkit, Ola, Rapido, and Zepto, mandating the upload of gig worker details and complete integration with the eShram portal by June 21. This move is a precursor to ensuring social security benefits for gig and platform workers.
Background and Legal Framework
The directive follows rules formulated under the Code on Social Security last month, which mandates compulsory registration of gig workers within 45 days. This initiative aims to help the government design and implement social security schemes, such as health and life insurance, as well as pension plans. Additionally, it will facilitate the creation of a national ID for gig workers, enabling easy mobility and formalizing the unorganized nature of their work.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
In its circular, the Ministry of Labour and Employment warned that missing the June 21 deadline will trigger strict penal action under the Social Security Code. The ministry emphasized that timely adherence to the timeline is crucial for effective implementation of the mandated social security framework and to avoid penal provisions.
Definition of Gig and Platform Workers
The newly enforced rules define gig and platform workers as individuals who work at least 90 days a year with an aggregator, or 120 days in case of multiple aggregators. The rules also mandate that aggregators register all new appointments and exits on a real-time or daily basis on the central government portal.
Industry Response
Sheikh Salauddin, co-founder of the Indian Federation of App Based Transport Workers (IFAT), stated that the government has repeatedly asked aggregators in the past to share data and onboard workers, but several aggregators have not taken the matter seriously. He urged aggregators to act responsibly and comply with the law without further delays, emphasizing that workers cannot continue to wait endlessly for their welfare measures.
