Excelsior Correspondent
RAJASTHAN, Mar 2: In a landmark move, Rajasthan has become the first State in India to prioritize the welfare of gig workers.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced the Gig Workers Welfare Act, which will establish a Gig Workers Welfare Board and a Gig Workers Welfare and Development Fund of Rs 200 crore. Gig workers, who are employed on a per-transaction basis by companies such as Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato, and Amazon, are often denied social security benefits and are at risk of exploitation.
Currently, there are around 3-4 lakh gig workers in Rajasthan who do not have any union or institution to represent them. The Welfare Act for Gig Workers aims to provide them with support and protect them from exploitation. The move has been welcomed by gig workers, who have expressed their gratitude for the state government’s recognition of their plight.
Pertinently, Rahul Gandhi, during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, had highlighted the need for social security for gig workers, who drive taxis for Uber and Ola, work for Zomato and Swiggy, and do other small jobs. Gehlot’s announcement is a step towards fulfilling that need and providing gig workers with facilities like a pension.
In addition to the Gig Workers Welfare Act, Gehlot also announced the implementation of the ‘Mukhyamatri Chiranjeevi Shramik Sambal Yojana’ (Chief Minister Chiranjeevi Labourer Support Scheme), worth Rs 100 crore.
Under this scheme, registered labourers and street vendors aged between 25 and 60 years, whose family members are hospitalized and unable to earn their daily wages, will receive Rs 200 per day for seven days through direct benefit transfer (DBT) without any application.
Sanju Kumar, a driver with Uber in Jaipur, expressed his surprise and gratitude for the announcement, stating that the future of gig workers is insecure and the state government’s initiative will make the road to social security much easier for them.
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