Gig Workers on the Social Security Map: Government Pushes e-Shram Portal Registration
Platform Aggregators to Onboard Workers for Access to Benefits
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has taken a significant step towards extending social security benefits to gig and platform workers. They have directed platform aggregators (like ride-hailing services, online delivery platforms, etc.) to register their workforce on the e-Shram portal. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive database of unorganized workers and facilitate their access to various social security schemes.
Benefits for Gig Workers
Registering on the e-Shram portal offers several advantages for gig workers. Upon registration, they will receive a Universal Account Number (UAN). This UAN acts as a unique identifier for all social security benefits they may be eligible for, including:
- Accidental insurance coverage
- Maternity benefit schemes
- Old age pension schemes
- Skill development programs
Aggregator Responsibilities
The government has issued an advisory with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) outlining the responsibilities of platform aggregators. These include:
- Registering all their gig workers on the e-Shram portal.
- Maintaining and updating worker data regularly.
- Facilitating the registration process for workers who may lack digital literacy.
- Collaborating with the government to ensure smooth implementation.
Streamlining the Process
To streamline the onboarding process, the Ministry has established a toll-free helpline (14434) to provide information, guide registrations, and resolve any technical issues encountered by workers or aggregators. Additionally, they have scheduled meetings with platform aggregators to discuss the initiative and address any concerns.
Why This News is Important
This news holds significance for government exam aspirants in several ways:
- Social Security Focus: It highlights the government’s growing focus on extending social security benefits to previously excluded sectors like the gig economy. This is a crucial area of concern for UPSC, state PSCs, and other government exams.
- Labor Welfare Schemes: Understanding the e-Shram portal and its functionalities becomes relevant for exams testing knowledge of labor welfare schemes in India.
- Digitalization in Governance: The initiative showcases the government’s push for digitalization in governance, a recurring theme across various government exams.
Historical Context: The Rise of the Gig Economy
The gig economy, characterized by short-term, project-based work, has witnessed a significant rise in recent years due to factors like:
- Growth of digital platforms
- Increased demand for flexible work arrangements
- Preference for independent work among millennials and Gen Z
However, gig workers often lack access to social security benefits traditionally associated with formal employment. This initiative bridges that gap and ensures a more inclusive social security framework.
Key Takeaways from “Gig Workers on the Social Security Map”
| Takeaway | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Government Initiative | Platform aggregators mandated to register gig workers on the e-Shram portal. |
| 2. Benefits for Workers | Access to social security schemes like accidental insurance, maternity benefits, and pension. |
| 3. Aggregator Responsibilities | Registering workers, maintaining data, facilitating registration, and collaborating with the government. |
| 4. Streamlining Process | Toll-free helpline (14434) for information and technical assistance. |
| 5. Significance for Exams | Understanding e-Shram, social security focus, labor welfare schemes, and digitalization in governance. |
Important FAQs for Students from this News
Who can register on the e-Shram portal?
- Any unorganized worker aged between 16 and 59 years can register on the portal.
What are the benefits of registering on the e-Shram portal?
- Access to social security schemes like accidental insurance, maternity benefits, and pension.
How can gig workers register on the e-Shram portal?
- Platform aggregators are responsible for registering their gig workers on the portal.
Is registration on the e-Shram portal mandatory for gig workers?
- Yes, the government has mandated platform aggregators to register their gig workers.
What happens if a gig worker is already registered under other social security schemes?
- The e-Shram portal will act as a central database, integrating information from other schemes and providing a unified platform for accessing benefits.
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