The Indian National Congress has launched a sharp critique against the central government's latest proposal concerning gig workers, branding it a case of "too little, too late." The controversy stems from a recent move by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment to potentially mandate a minimum 90-day work period for platform workers to qualify for social security benefits.
The Core of the Controversy: A 90-Day Eligibility Rule
At the heart of the dispute is a proposal under the Code on Social Security, 2020. Reports indicate that the ministry is considering a draft rule which would require gig workers and platform workers to be engaged for at least 90 days in a financial year with a single aggregator to be eligible for social security schemes. This suggestion was reportedly part of discussions held by a central advisory committee meeting on March 27.
The government's stance, as cited in the discussions, is that this threshold is necessary to establish a verifiable employer-employee relationship or a sustained work association. Officials argue it would help clearly identify beneficiaries and prevent potential misuse of the social security framework.
Congress's Scathing Rebuttal and Accusations
The Congress party has vehemently opposed this proposed criterion. In a formal statement, the party accused the Narendra Modi-led government of attempting to create a bureaucratic hurdle that would effectively exclude a vast majority of gig workers from the social safety net.
"This 90-day condition with a single platform is a deliberate ploy to deny benefits," a Congress spokesperson stated. The party argues that the very nature of gig work is characterized by flexibility, multi-apping (working for multiple platforms simultaneously), and sporadic engagement. Imposing such a continuous duration requirement, they claim, ignores the ground reality of how millions of delivery personnel, ride-hailing drivers, and care workers actually earn their livelihood.
The opposition framed this move as a belated and insufficient action, coming years after the promises of social security were first made. They highlighted that the Code on Social Security was passed in 2020, and the delay in notifying these crucial rules has left workers in a state of prolonged uncertainty.
Broader Implications for India's Gig Economy
This debate touches the lives of a massive workforce. Estimates suggest India has over 10 million gig workers, a number projected to grow significantly. The social security measures under discussion include potential benefits related to insurance, health, and maternity, among others.
Industry stakeholders and labour unions have been divided on the 90-day proposal. Some aggregators express concerns over the operational and financial burden of administering schemes for a highly transient workforce. Conversely, worker advocacy groups align with the Congress's view, stressing that social security should be universal and portable, not tied to a prolonged attachment with one company.
The ongoing tussle underscores the larger challenge of regulating the modern platform economy. It pits the need for formal protections for workers against the flexible, on-demand model that defines the gig sector. The government's final decision on these rules will set a critical precedent for the future of work in India.
As the political rhetoric intensifies, the focus remains on whether the final framework will truly provide a robust safety net or, as the Congress alleges, be rendered ineffective by restrictive conditions. The ball is now in the government's court to finalize the rules and address the growing demand for dignity and security for one of the economy's most dynamic workforces.
