NEW DELHI: On Thursday, CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal met a delegation of the Gig Workers Association of Delhi at their request regarding framing a law to ensure social security of the platform-based gig workers within the national capital. CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal assured the delegation that the Delhi government is always with the common people in every possible manner. He further emphasized that he will create requisite laws in accordance with regulations to provide social security for gig workers, but it may take some time.
Meanwhile, the CM instructed Cabinet Minister Atishi to determine whether gig workers fall under the definition of workers as per the Construction Workers Welfare Board. If these workers fall within the purview of the Construction Workers Welfare Board, then the government won’t need to create separate laws, and gig workers can benefit from the existing schemes by the Delhi government.
The Gig Workers Association met with CM to discuss their concerns about social security. They made the CM aware of the daily issues faced by gig workers. After listening to the association’s concerns sincerely, CM Shri Arvind Kejriwal instructed Minister Atishi to acquire information about whether these gig workers can fall under the definition of workers provided by the Construction Workers Welfare Board. If they are included under the Construction Workers Welfare Board, they will be entitled to the benefits provided by the Delhi government. The CM mentioned that most state governments have a significant amount of funds under the Construction Workers Welfare Board, which often remain underutilized.
The CM also suggested to the association that if gig workers do not fall under the purview of the Construction Workers Welfare Board, they should seek the central government’s help in this regard. If the central government issues a notification, it could potentially resolve many of the issues faced by gig workers, and the need for separate legislation by the state government may be unnecessary. The CM mentioned that he is not clear on whether state governments have the power to levy taxes (cess) or not, and this requires further examination. He emphasized that his government is solemnly committed to standing with the common people and will work to create robust laws to ensure social security for gig workers, even though it might take some time.
The association presented a memorandum to the CM, stating that gig workers are individuals who work on app-based platforms in the private sector. Some are part-time, while others are full-time workers. These workers lack job security and benefits like ESI, PF, and others. Additionally, they face issues related to low wages and fixed work hours. The association has appealed for the creation of laws in Delhi to provide social security for gig workers, ensuring that those working in app-based private sectors receive benefits such as ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation), PF( Provident Fund), job security, and regulated work hours. They also requested the establishment of a welfare fund for gig workers and suggested imposing a welfare cess of up to 2% on app-based private companies, which should be used for the welfare of gig workers.
The official ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) handle of CM’s office shared a snippet from the meeting. It quotes, “Honorable Chief Minister Shri @ArvindKejriwal Ji met with representatives of the ‘Gig Workers Association’ (Online Delivery Service Partners) today. The association’s representatives placed a demand before Chief Minister Ji to formulate government schemes related to the social security of delivery partners.
The Honorable Chief Minister understood their issues and assured them that the government will consider their demands within the ambit of policies solemnly.”
