Delhi Government Fast-Tracks Social Security for Gig, Platform & Construction Workers
The Delhi government has launched a significant initiative to extend social security coverage to unorganised workers, gig workers, platform workers, and construction workers. This move directly addresses long-standing gaps in social protection for vulnerable labor groups in the capital city.
Minister Directs Swift Implementation
Labour Minister Kapil Mishra chaired a crucial meeting on Friday where he issued clear instructions to officials. He demanded that benefits must reach eligible workers without unnecessary procedural delays. Mishra emphasized the need to expedite notification of rules under the four Labour Codes.
"Any avoidable delay in notifying the rules or implementing welfare measures would not be tolerated," the minister warned during the meeting. His directive signals the government's serious commitment to this social security expansion.
Aligning with Central Norms
The Delhi government plans to align its rules with central norms to ensure uniformity across implementation. This alignment serves multiple important purposes:
- Reducing confusion for both workers and employers
- Enabling smoother implementation of welfare measures
- Creating consistent standards across different sectors
Once officially notified, these rules will facilitate several key developments. Welfare boards will be established specifically for unorganised and construction workers. The government will roll out welfare schemes more quickly than before.
Direct Benefits for Workers
The implementation promises tangible improvements for lakhs of vulnerable workers in Delhi. Transparent delivery systems will ensure workers receive their entitled benefits directly. These benefits include:
- Social security protections
- Enhanced safety measures at workplaces
- Wage-related entitlements
These measures will directly improve income security and working conditions for thousands of workers who previously lacked such protections.
Legal Framework Background
Minister Mishra explained the broader legal context behind this initiative. "The Union labour and employment ministry consolidated 29 existing labour laws into four Labour Codes," he noted. This consolidation aims to protect workers' rights while promoting ease of doing business.
The Code on Social Security, 2020 represents a landmark development. For the first time in Indian labor history, unorganised workers along with gig and platform workers come under statutory social security coverage.
Construction workers previously received coverage under the Building and Other Construction Workers Act of 1996. They now fall under the Code on Social Security, 2020. This new code specifically provides for welfare boards and welfare schemes for both unorganised and construction workers.
The Delhi government's initiative represents a concrete step toward implementing these national legal provisions at the local level. By fast-tracking this process, officials hope to bring meaningful social security to vulnerable workers across the capital.
