Model Answer

Gig workers earn through flexible, task-based employment, often without traditional employee benefits. India's newly constituted Social Security Boards aim to extend welfare protection to this growing workforce.

Importance of Social Security for Gig Workers

1. Income protection reduces vulnerability to accidents and sudden loss of earnings. e.g: Food delivery workers facing road accidents.
2. Health security protects workers from medical expenses and occupational risks.
3. Maternity protection supports women engaged in platform-based employment.
4. Old-age security provides financial protection after retirement.
5. Inclusive growth ensures benefits reach informal workers. e.g: NITI Aayog projects 2.35 crore gig workers by 2029–30.

Role of Social Security Boards

1. Welfare planning recommends schemes under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
2. Stakeholder representation includes workers, aggregators and governments. e.g: 22-member National Social Security Board for gig workers.
3. Social protection covers life insurance, disability, maternity and old-age benefits.
4. Fund monitoring reviews welfare expenditure and scheme implementation.
5. Portable benefits enable workers to access schemes across platforms and states. e.g: Aadhaar-linked registration through e-Shram.

Major Challenges

1. Employment ambiguity complicates traditional employer-employee protections.
2. Implementation gaps delay access to actual welfare benefits.
3. Inadequate representation may weaken workers' participation in decisions.

Way Forward

1. Sustainable financing through aggregator contributions of 1–2% of turnover, capped at 5% of worker payouts.
2. Inclusive governance with transparent representation and grievance redressal.
3. Universal registration and portable benefits through e-Shram.
4. Effective implementation through regular audits and Centre-State coordination.

Social Security Boards can transform gig employment into more secure livelihoods through sustainable funding, inclusive representation and effective welfare delivery.