Amid 10-min debate, slow going on gig workers: Laws await implementation, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• Rajasthan passed the Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act on July 24, 2023, mandating registration and establishing a welfare board for gig workers.
• The Bihar Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025, passed on July 23, 2025, ensures social security benefits for gig workers, including provident fund and insurance.
• Karnataka's Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025, effective since May 2025, awaits notification of the Karnataka Gig Workers’ Welfare Board.
• Jharkhand passed the Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act in August 2025, providing registration, social security, and grievance redressal, with penalties up to Rs 10 lakh for aggregators.

Detailed Insights:

• Gig workers in India, advocating for social security, better wages, and stronger legal protections, have seen legislative action primarily in Rajasthan, Karnataka, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
• The Rajasthan Act levies fees on aggregators for a welfare fund to provide health insurance and accident coverage, with penalties for violations ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 50 lakh.
• The Bihar Bill mandates Aadhaar-based registration for gig workers above 16 years and provides benefits like maternity benefits, accident insurance, and old-age protection.
• The Karnataka Act requires the government to specify a percentage on payouts for a Gig worker welfare fee on each transaction, expected to be fixed at 1-1.5%.
• The Jharkhand Act extends provisions of the Shramadhan portal to gig workers, enabling access to accident compensation, insurance, pensions, and other welfare schemes.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Gig Worker: An individual who performs work via online platforms or on-demand companies, often characterized by short-term contracts or freelance work.
• Aggregator: A company or platform that connects gig workers with customers or clients, often setting terms and conditions for the work performed.
• Social Security: Government programs intended to protect citizens against economic hardship, including unemployment, old age, disability, and sickness.