How Do We Assure Social Security to Gig Workers?

The State of Rajasthan recently passed a law on social security for platform-based gig workers. Under the law, a 1-2 percent welfare cess will be levied on the value of every online transaction and the amounts will go into a welfare fund to be used for the benefit of gig workers. In this episode, Anupam Manur & Shrikrishna Upadhyaya discuss the drawbacks of the Rajasthan model of social security for gig workers. They dwell on the nature of gig jobs in India, problems with socialising social security in the form of a single fund, the responsibility of the state to offer universal social security to all its citizens, and alternative ways of securing social security for the gig workers. Readings: Indian gig workers ought to get a well-crafted social security net | Mint Don’t rush to mimic Rajasthan gig workers law Compensation for Accident Victims Isn’t a ‘Favour’ – and the State Must Be More Accountable