In a proactive move to address the welfare of gig workers in the unorganised sector, the Haryana Government is set to introduce a state-level board dedicated to the social and economic security of these workers. Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala engaged in discussions regarding this proposal during a meeting with representatives from various service-providing companies, officials from industrial and commercial organisations, and senior administrative officials from departments such as labor, transport, and taxation.
The unorganised service sector in Haryana comprises approximately 52.70 lakh workers, including those engaged with prominent e-commerce platforms such as Zomato, Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Flipkart, and Amazon. These workers, often operating on bikes, scooters, and small vehicles, work part-time or full-time but lack provisions for essential benefits such as insurance, provident fund (PF), medical services, or other allowances.
The proposed bill, titled The Haryana Gig Workers Welfare Board Bill-2024, envisions the establishment of a dedicated welfare board for these workers, now referred to as ‘mobility workers.’ Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala emphasized the potential benefits of creating a board specifically tailored for gig workers, highlighting the need for insurance, PF, medical services, and other allowances. The proposed board will operate similarly to those established for building construction workers.
Chautala proposed the use of the term ‘mobility workers’ instead of ‘gig workers’ and outlined the potential benefits that the board could offer. He stressed the importance of providing financial assistance to these workers or their families in unforeseen circumstances.
The Deputy Chief Minister referred to the Government of India’s initiative, the e-Shram portal, for worker registration, emphasizing the existing schemes for the welfare of unorganised sector workers. These schemes include financial aid for children’s education, support for daughters’ marriages, grants, and allowances for purchasing bicycles, among others.
The proposed Gig Workers Welfare Board is part of the government’s broader efforts to support the unorganised sector. The neighboring state of Rajasthan has also initiated the process of establishing a similar board. Deputy Chief Minister Chautala outlined the composition of the proposed board, which will include representatives from various departments such as Excise and Taxation, Industry and Commerce, Social Justice and Empowerment, Transport, and Labor. Additionally, representatives of mobility workers and e-commerce companies will be part of the board.
To fund the welfare initiatives for these workers, the government is considering the imposition of a nominal fee known as the Mobility Worker Welfare Cess on the services provided to consumers. The collected amount will be dedicated to the welfare of mobility workers.
During the meeting, representatives from prominent companies such as Nasscom, Amazon, and Zomato shared their suggestions. Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala encouraged all companies to submit their feedback on the bill within a week, assuring that the government would give serious consideration to their input. Input from mobility workers will also be sought to ensure a comprehensive approach.
The proposed Gig Workers Welfare Board reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of mobility workers in the unorganised sector. Representatives from various companies present at the meeting commended this welfare initiative by the Haryana government.
Principal Secretary of the Labor Department, Rajiv Ranjan, Excise and Taxation Commissioner Ashok Kumar Meena, and other officials were present during the discussions, highlighting the collaborative efforts involved in addressing the needs of gig workers in the state.
