• Source:JND

10-Minute Delivery Row: Top gig platform, Blinkit, removed the 10-minute delivery promise from its branding. Other aggregators are expected to follow suit in the coming days. The news agency, ANI, quoting sources reported that the development followed by the Union Labour, Minister Mansukh Mandaviya's key meeting with major delivery aggregators to remove the mandatory 10-minute delivery deadline. A meeting was held with leading platforms including Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato and Swiggy among others to address concerns related to delivery timelines.

Union Minister Advises Quick-Commerce Companies To Follow Law Of Land

Earlier, on January 3, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also urged the quick-commerce companies like Blinkit, which launched a 10-minute ambulance service, must make sure that they meet the law of the land.

ALSO READ: 'At Grassroots...': Raghav Chadha Spends Day As Delivery Agent Amid Gig Workers Demands Row | Watch

Code On Social Security, 2020: Reform For Gig Economy

India’s rapidly expanding Gig and Platform workforce has emerged as a crucial driver of the new economic ecosystem, powered by young demographics, digital adoption, and rapid urbanization. Recognising their role, the Code on Social Security, 2020 (SS) (one of the four labour codes implemented in a recent labour reform) formally brings Gig and Platform workers under a broader protection umbrella. The reform institutionalises long-overdue security for a workforce that has long powered India’s digital economy without commensurate protections.

SC Advocate

Earlier, Gig and Platform workers had no access to formal labour laws and therefore, no structured grievance redressal mechanism. Under the SS Code, the appropriate government may set-up a toll-free helpline, call centre, or facilitation centre to address worker grievances and ensure timely support. 

ALSO READ: 'Pro-Startups But Can't Back Exploitation': Raghav Chadha Defends His Support To Gig Workers Protest Amid Criticism

Here Are The Key Highlights Of Legal Benefits Fro Gig Workers

- Earlier gig workers were not coverd under the Payment of Wages Act (1936), Minimum Wages Act (1948), EPF Act, or ESI Act. They were were considered a part of the informal or unorganised sector, but the SS Code for the first time, provides a formal recognition to Gig workers, bringing them under the ambit of social security and legal protection. 

- Under the SS Code, aggregators are now required to contribute 1-2% of their annual turnover (capped at 5% of payments made or payable to gig/platform workers) to a Social Security Fund.

- The fund finances a range of welfare schemes for these workers, where earlier, these workers bore all risks themselves, with no obligation on aggregators to contribute to their welfare. The Code has provisions for multiple financing mechanism, from the government, CSR initiatives, etc.

- Once dependent solely on voluntary schemes or CSR initiatives, with no statutory entitlement to PF, ESI, pension or insurance, Gig & Platform workers now become eligible for government-notified social security benefits such as accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, any other benefits.
Portability of Benefits

- Gig workers can continue to enjoy their social security benefits even when switching jobs or platforms, ensuring continuity and security. These benefits were lost previously, while switching jobs.

- Workers can self-register on the government e-Shram portal, creating a comprehensive national database that supports social security, skill development, targeted delivery of welfare delivery and policy making.


Also In News