There is no specific welfare scheme by the government for gig and platform workers and unorganized sector workers despite its previous recommendation, a parliamentary panel has asked the Ministry of Labour and Employment to implement welfare schemes for such workers.
Earlier, the Standing Committee had recommended that since gig and platform workers do not come under the purview of Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, appropriate welfare schemes for unorganized sector workers like gig and platform workers need to be formulated by the government.
The Ministry in its reply to the Committee had then said that a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed in January this year with The Centre for Labour Studies, National Law School of India University, Bangalore for assistance in framing of a new scheme for the gig and platform workers as well as workers in the unorganised sector.
The Code on Social Security, 2020 has proposed social security schemes for gig workers and platform workers on matters relating to life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, old age protection, etc. However, the Code is yet to come into force.
The Committee n Labour, Textiles, Skill Development, therefore, reiterate their earlier recommendation and stress that appropriate Schemes be formulated and operationalised for the benefit of Gig and Platform Workers at the earliest. The Standing Committee has also asked the Ministry and EPFO to work out the financial implications and ensure funds for higher pension.
The EPFO had extended the deadline to apply for higher pensions till July 11, the second such extension within two months. Employers got additional time of three months till September 30. For the higher pension option, 16.06 lakh applications were estimated to have been received, an EPFO statement dated June 26 had said.