Budget 2025: Big Relief for 1 Crore Gig Workers, Sitharaman Announces Major Benefits.
The General Budget 2025 has brought great relief for gig workers in India. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the government will issue identity cards to one crore gig workers and register them on the e-Shram portal. This move aims to provide socio-economic support to urban workers, benefiting delivery personnel working with Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, and drivers associated with Ola and Uber.
Major Announcement for Gig Workers
For the first time, the central government has launched a major initiative for gig workers. The Finance Minister emphasized that these workers will be provided benefits under social security schemes, along with identity cards to recognize their contribution to the economy. The government also plans to invest in improving the lives of street vendors and urban workers.
Sitharaman stated that gig workers are crucial to the ‘new-age’ service economy, and their safety and well-being must be prioritized. To achieve this, the government will register them on the e-Shram portal and ensure they receive identity cards. Furthermore, health benefits will be extended to gig workers under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), directly benefiting one crore workers.
Who Are Gig Workers and Why This Move Matters?
Gig workers are individuals who work independently or on contracts, including those engaged in online platforms, delivery services, taxi services, and other flexible service-based jobs. The gig economy is expanding rapidly in India, and Budget 2025 marks a significant step towards securing their economic and social well-being.
The largest share of gig workers consists of drivers working for Ola and Uber, followed by delivery partners for online food and e-commerce companies. These new schemes are expected to enhance their standard of living and provide much-needed financial security.
Social Security and Insurance Benefits
On the lines of American labor policies, India will now extend accidental insurance and social security schemes to gig workers. The Ministry of Labor had earlier proposed this initiative, which has now been approved by the Finance Ministry. Once implemented, these workers will not only receive financial security but also improved workplace facilities.
Government’s Future Plans for Gig Workers
The government aims to register 10 crore gig workers in the coming years. Part-time employees of companies like Ola, Uber, Amazon, Flipkart, and Zomato will be the primary beneficiaries of this initiative. Additionally, the government is considering a policy where if an employee works for a specific number of hours (90, 120, or 160 hours), they will be eligible for ESI benefits and accidental insurance.
This scheme is expected to revolutionize the gig economy in India, ensuring better financial and social security for workers and improving their overall future prospects.
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