Rajasthan becomes 1st state to pass bill for welfare of online platform-based Gig Workers

• 25 Jul 2023

Why in News?

On July 24, 2023, on the initiative of Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, the state assembly has passed the Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill-2023. Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to pass a bill for the welfare of lakhs of gig workers earning their livelihood through online platforms.

Key Points:

• The state government has gifted millions of youths connected as gig workers with online platforms like Ola, Swiggy, Uber, and Zomato. By protecting the interests of these gig workers, social security will now be provided to them.
• Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers Welfare Board will be established under the Act to be made through this bill. Along with this, Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund will be constituted.
• This board will ensure the registration of platform-based gig workers. Along with monitoring the schemes for social security of registered gig workers, it will give its recommendations to the state government for the administration of such schemes.
• The Board will also ensure that gig workers have access to benefits and better working conditions as per these schemes. The Board will also ensure time-bound redressal of grievances relating to the rights of gig workers and matters relating to the implementation of the provisions of the Act.
• For the registration of gig workers, the aggregator will make the database of gig workers available to the state government within 60 days of the implementation of the act. The state government will publish the register of aggregators on its web portal.
• This act will also enable gig workers to get the benefits of social security schemes of the state government and they will get an opportunity to hear their grievances.
• Gig workers will also have representation on the board so that they will be able to participate in decisions taken for their welfare. Under the Act, a grievance redressal mechanism will be set up for gig workers, before which petitions can be submitted in person or through online mediums.
• In the current economic scenario, there is a huge scope for employment through gig work for the youth with low skills. Gig workers are yet to come under the ambit of labour laws, despite their huge contribution to the economy and employment. In such a situation, they do not get protection like traditional employees. This act will protect the interests of gig workers and provide them with social security.
• It is worth mentioning that Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had announced the introduction of the Gig Workers Welfare Act and the establishment of the Gig Workers Welfare Board under it to provide social security to gig workers and to protect them from exploitation in the state budget of 2023-24. Along with this, he also announced the formation of the Gig Workers Welfare and Development Fund with an amount of Rs 200 crore.