Social Security Benefits For Gig And Platform Workers Under The Code On Social Security, 2020 

Shri Rameshwar Teli, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, in an answer to a question put forth in Lok Sabha on 20^th March 2023 clarified that the Central Industrial Relations Machinery (CIRM) is responsible for maintaining good industrial relations and protecting the interest of workers in such establishments which lie under the jurisdiction of Central government, while matters regarding delivery personnel are under the jurisdiction of respective state governments.  

He further mentioned the launch of the eSHRAM portal on 26^th August 2021 for creating a national database of unorganized workers including gig and platform workers, on which a person can register themselves on a self-declaratory basis.  

It was further stated that the definitions of “gig workers” and “platform workers” have been added for the first time in Code on Social Security, 2020, which envisages providing social security to gig and platform workers via schemes implemented through Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The Code further envisages grants of other social security benefits which are generally available to organized sector workers, including the setting up of a Social Security Fund. 

Lastly, it facilitates the setting up of a toll-free helpline no. for unorganized workers to disseminate information regarding available schemes and the processes of availing of their benefits.