🔆 Social Security Boost for India’s Gig Workers

📍 Why in Focus?
✅ India’s gig workforce projected to grow from 1 crore in 2024–25 to 2.35 crore by 2029–30.
✅ Govt initiatives like Code on Social Security, 2020 and e-Shram portal are bringing gig & platform workers under welfare nets.

📍 Key Highlights:
✅ Code on Social Security, 2020 gives legal recognition, merging 9 earlier labour laws; extends benefits like insurance, maternity, old-age protection.
✅ e-Shram Portal: Over 30.98 crore registrations; includes 3.37 lakh platform workers; top states: UP (8.39 cr), Bihar (3.0 cr), WB (2.64 cr).
✅ Women participation strong: UP (4.41 cr), Bihar (1.72 cr), WB (1.44 cr).
✅ Union Budget 2025–26: ID cards & AB-PMJAY health cover of ₹5 lakh planned for platform workers.

📍 Challenges / Issues:
✅ Implementation of AB-PMJAY for gig workers still pending.
✅ Awareness, digital literacy, and consistent registration drives needed.
✅ Ensuring aggregator platforms contribute to the Social Security Fund.

✅ Prelims Question:
Which of the following statements about the Code on Social Security, 2020 is correct?
A. It only applies to organised sector employees.
B. It repeals nine earlier labour laws.
C. It excludes gig and platform workers from coverage.
D. It is implemented only at the state level.
Ans: B

✅ Mains Question:
“India’s gig and platform economy is a double-edged sword, offering opportunities but raising challenges for worker welfare.” Critically analyse the government’s policy response, including the Code on Social Security 2020 and e-Shram portal. (250 words)

✨ #LabourReforms #GigEconomy #SocialSecurity