Haryana Proposes Welfare Board for Gig Workers' Insurance

Haryana government plans to provide insurance for 52 lakh gig workers involved in home delivery and cab services. A proposed bill named 'The Haryana Gig Workers Welfare Board Bill-2024' will be introduced in the cabinet meeting on January 30. Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala discussed the proposal with representatives of service providers, industrial/commercial organizations, and officials from labour, transportation, and taxation departments.

These gig workers, engaged with companies like Zomato, Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Flipkart, and Amazon, lack provisions for insurance, PF, medical services, or other benefits. The government aims to establish a Welfare Board, similar to that for construction labourers, to ensure their well-being. The board's formation will be discussed in the upcoming cabinet meeting.

Deputy CM Chautala highlighted that approximately 52.7 lakh workers in Haryana are involved in the unorganized service sector, working for e-commerce giants. They provide services on part-time or full-time bases but currently lack insurance, PF, medical services, or other allowances. The proposed board would impose a nominal Mobility Worker Welfare Cess on these individuals.

The board's creation aligns with the central government's initiatives for unorganized labour, as seen through the E-Shram portal. Various schemes are underway for the welfare of unorganized sector workers, including financial aid for their children's education, grants for daughters' weddings, and allowances for purchasing bicycles. The government's consideration extends to creating a board for gig workers, similar to those in neighbouring states like Rajasthan.

The Deputy CM suggested referring to these workers as "mobility workers" rather than gig workers. The board's establishment would enable financial assistance for workers or their families in case of unforeseen circumstances. This initiative reflects the government's commitment to addressing the needs of gig workers in Haryana, ensuring their welfare and rights protection.