Mumbai: Maharashtra Labour Minister Adv. Aakash Fundkar has announced the state government’s commitment to resolving various issues faced by gig workers and ensuring they receive benefits under government welfare schemes and social security codes.
Govt Push for Equal Benefits to Gig Workers
Speaking after a high-level meeting held at Mantralaya on Monday, Fundkar said gig workers employed with platforms such as Zomato, Zepto, and Swiggy should be entitled to the same facilities available to other organized sector workers. These include health insurance, accident insurance, pension schemes, skill development training, and emergency financial aid.
“Gig workers must be brought under the ambit of government schemes and receive the same level of social security as regular employees. The state government is determined to take concrete steps in this direction,” Fundkar stated.
High-Level Meeting with Key Stakeholders
The meeting was chaired by Minister Fundkar and attended by MLA Ravindra Chavan, Principal Secretary of Labour Department I.A. Kundan, Commissioner for Unorganized Workers Development Tukaram Mundhe, Labour Commissioner Dr. H.P. Tummod, and representatives of various gig companies.
Centralised Data Bank for Gig Workers on the Anvil
Fundkar emphasized the urgent need to create a centralized database of all gig workers in the state to ensure effective delivery of benefits and protection of their rights. He noted that currently, 321 establishments operate on e-commerce platforms across Maharashtra, and accurate data collection is vital for robust policy planning and implementation.
Legal Safeguards and Labour Law Coverage
The Minister also assured that efforts will be made to provide legal safeguards to gig workers and bring them under the protective umbrella of labour laws and government policies, ensuring they are not left behind in the evolving employment landscape.
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