Editorial Analysis 11 July

SECURITY

Even the odd jobs

Source: The Hindu

Context

• The Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2024 strives at ensuring social security for gig workers in India due to their vulnerable work status and absence of relevant legal safeguards.

Introduction

• It refers to a system of employment where there are many temporary contracts or freelance work mostly via an online marketplace. From 77 lakh gig workers in the starting of the decade to estimated 4. One percent of the income and 6. From 2014 to 2029-30 it is expected to contribute 7% of the non-agricultural workforce (NITI Aayog).

Details

Evolution and Issues

• Origins: With the appearance of application-based transportation hailing and food ordering services flexible employment was provided.
• Initial Perceptions: Promotion of self-employment, flexible working hours, but the negative aspect of low earnings, long hours and absence of employment privileges appeared.
• Regulatory Gaps: Lack of employee classification results in a lack of protection, reliance on the platform’s algorithms and lack of buffers.

Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2024

• Purpose: To offer gigs employees some form of social security and welfare provisions.
• Provisions:
  • Avoid unfair dismissals and guarantee employees’ right to complain.
  • Enhance the accountability of the automatic monitoring and the algorithm-based payments.
  • Welfare board and fund for social security which should be financed by the government and aggregators.

Comparison with National Legislation

• Union Government’s Code on Social Security, 2020: Not sufficiently equipped with legal provisions and protection for gig workers and was only a framework at that.
• Rajasthan Legislation: Passed by Congress but not well realized by BJP, pointing out to the political issues in governing gig workers’ wellbeing.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Viability of Welfare Boards: Lack of proper welfare boards in the unorganized sector and the historical inefficiencies give a question mark on the implementation.
• Demand for Cess on Transactions: Employers’ organisations have proposed for transaction based cess to allow for proper funding of welfare measures.
• Need for Comprehensive National Legislation: Demands for wages not lower than a specified rate, fair treatment such as working conditions, and formal employment status for complete shield.

Conclusion

• Karnataka’s Legislative initiative proposed to be passed during the monsoon session, stress on the urgency of the matter. Important call for the necessity of the adoption of the new legislation to regulate gig workers’ rights and include them into the formal labour legislation.

Sources:

The Hindu