Rajasthan Government Passes Country's First Gig Workers Bill
The state of Rajasthan has taken a significant step in recognizing the rights and welfare of gig workers by introducing the 'Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023.' This landmark bill is the first of its kind in India and aims to ensure social security for gig workers, providing them with the much-needed protection and support they deserve.
1. Bill Introduction
The 'Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023' was presented in the Assembly on July 21, 2023, by the Labor Minister, Sukhram Vishnoi. After thorough discussions and debates, the bill received approval and was successfully passed in the House on July 24, 2023.
2. Creating a Welfare Board and Fund
One of the primary objectives of the bill is to establish a welfare board dedicated to the welfare of platform-based gig workers. This welfare board will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the rights and interests of gig workers and act as a liaison between them and the government.
The bill also proposes the creation of a welfare fund for platform-based gig workers. To finance this fund, aggregators (companies) will be required to contribute a "welfare fee." This contribution is essential to ensure that gig workers have access to various social security benefits and protections.
3. Penalties for Non-Compliance
To ensure the effective implementation of the bill, the Rajasthan government has included provisions for penalties in case of non-compliance by aggregators. Companies failing to adhere to the law may face fines and penalties.
For the first violation, a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh can be imposed, and for subsequent violations, the penalty can go up to Rs 50 lakh. These stringent measures aim to hold companies accountable for the welfare and security of their gig workers.
4. Unique ID for Gig Workers
One of the significant aspects of the bill is the issuance of a unique ID to gig workers. This ID will be applicable across all platforms and will serve as an identification for the workers. It will grant them access to various social security schemes and benefits.
Furthermore, with this unique ID, gig workers will have a voice in expressing their grievances and concerns. They will also have the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes that directly affect their welfare through representation on the welfare board.
Gig Workers: A Brief Overview
Before delving deeper into the implications of the bill, it is essential to understand the concept of gig workers. Gig workers are non-permanent employees who are engaged in various tasks and services for companies and organizations. This category includes freelance contract workers, workers associated with online platforms, contract firm workers, on-call workers, and temporary workers.
In India, there are approximately 10 to 12 crore gig workers, with many of them involved in tasks such as working for online food platforms, e-commerce companies, and delivery services.
Conclusion
The introduction and passage of the 'Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023' mark a significant milestone in the protection of gig workers' rights in India. By providing a welfare board, welfare fund, and unique ID, the bill paves the way for better social security and representation for gig workers.
It is a progressive step towards recognizing the contributions of gig workers and acknowledging their need for protection and support in the modern workforce.
FAQs
1. What is the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers Bill?
The Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers Bill is a legislative initiative aimed at providing social security and welfare benefits to gig workers in the state.
2. Who introduced the Bill?
The bill was tabled in the Assembly by Labor Minister Sukhram Vishnoi on July 21, 2023.
3. What are the penalties for non-compliance by aggregators?
Companies failing to comply with the law may face fines of up to Rs 5 lakh for the first violation and up to Rs 50 lakh for subsequent violations.
4. How will gig workers benefit from the unique ID?
The unique ID will enable gig workers to access various social security schemes, express grievances, and participate in decision-making processes through representation on the welfare board.
5. What is the estimated number of gig workers in India?
Presently, there are approximately 10 to 12 crore gig workers in the country, engaged in various tasks and services.
