Gig Economy Firms Ordered To Register Workers For Social Security Benefits (Image: X @marinebharat)

The Union Labour Ministry has asked platform aggregators to register gig workers (independent contractors or self-employed) on the e-Shram portal, a centralised database which would make the platform workers eligible for social security benefits, as per the reports.

The Indian government has issued guidelines to protect gig workers’ rights and an advisory outlining standard operating procedures has been released for registering the country’s estimated 7.7 million gig workers. Reportedly, the new initiative aims to provide social security benefits to workers in the informal sector.

Also Read | Discrimination Against Muslim Gig Workers In The Digital Age

A registration drive will be launched on September 17, Tuesday (today) marking the government’s 100th day in office. As part of this drive, gig workers will receive a unique Universal Account Number (UAN), serving as a social security code. This registration drive will provide gig workers with health insurance, accident insurance, and social security benefits which may enhance their job security.

The new initiative aligns with the Social Security Code passed by Parliament in early 2020. Although the code has not been implemented nationwide due to pending rule-making by states, now the government is moving forward with registering gig workers. Previously, the PM Modi government consolidated 29 labour laws into four codes between 2019 and 2020 that aimed to boost job creation, simplify business operations, and extend social security benefits to workers.

How To Register On The eShram Portal?

• Head onto the official website of the eShram portal at eshram.gov.in.
• Click on the ‘Register on eSHRAM’ link on the home page.
• Type your Aadhaar-linked mobile number and captcha code, then click on send OTP.
• complete the registration process by following further instructions.
• Those who do not have an Aadhaar number can visit the nearest CSCs ( Common Services Centres) and register through Biometric authentication.
• For the registered workers the government will provide Accidental Insurance cover of 2 Lakhs under PMSBY, along with other social security benefits.

Also Read | India Sees A Surge In Educated Unemployed Youth: ILO

Who Is A Gig Worker?

A gig worker is a self-employed individual who takes on short-term, flexible work arrangements often through freelance, consulting, or contract roles. They include food delivery agents, cab drivers, street vendors and so on.

DID YOU KNOW?

Selecting Migrant Worker for eShram Registration…

How to select Gig worker – Yes/No?#DigitalIndia #eShram #RuralEmpowerment #eShramDrive #CSC #sundayvibes pic.twitter.com/VrxljHEn5c

— CSCeGov (@CSCegov_) November 21, 2021