Government Invites Platform Aggregators to Register Gig Workers on e-Shram Portal for Social Security Benefits

The government has urged platform aggregators to register their gig workers on the e-Shram portal. This initiative aims to provide these workers with access to various social security benefits. The Ministry of Labour and Employment highlighted the importance of this registration for ensuring workers' access to social welfare schemes and creating an accurate registry of beneficiaries.

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e-Shram Portal and Social Security

The e-Shram portal is a national database designed for unorganised workers, offering them access to social security and welfare schemes. The Ministry has issued an advisory with a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that outlines the responsibilities of aggregators. These include registering workers and keeping their data updated.

Upon registration, platform workers will receive a Universal Account Number (UAN). This number will enable them to access essential social security benefits. The central government, in collaboration with some aggregators, has completed testing for API integration to advance the registration process.

Collaboration with Aggregators

The ongoing partnership between the ministry and platform aggregators aims to ensure comprehensive coverage of gig workers. Aggregators are also requested to regularly update worker details, such as work engagement and payments. Any worker exits must be reported promptly to maintain accurate records.

To facilitate the onboarding process for workers and aggregators, a toll-free helpline (14434) has been established. This helpline provides information, guides registration, and resolves technical issues encountered during the process.

Meeting with Aggregators

A meeting with aggregators is scheduled for Wednesday, chaired by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The meeting aims to sensitise and encourage aggregators in this initiative. The ministry's efforts are part of a broader strategy to extend social security benefits to gig and platform workers.

According to a NITI Aayog report, India's gig workforce is projected to grow from 77 lakh in 2020-21 to 2.35 crore by 2029-30. The report, titled "India's Booming Gig and Platform Economy," states that gig workers will constitute 6.7% of the non-agricultural workforce or 4.1% of total livelihoods in India by 2029-30.

Gig workers are broadly classified into platform and non-platform categories. Platform workers rely on online software apps or digital platforms for their work, while non-platform gig workers typically engage in casual wage work, either part-time or full-time.

This initiative marks a significant step towards improving the welfare of gig workers in India by ensuring they have access to necessary social security benefits through systematic registration on the e-Shram portal.