Budget 2025: Gig workers to receive government-issued ID cards, healthcare
What's the story
In a big move, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced in the Union Budget 2025 that India's gig workers will be given health insurance under the government's Jan Arogya scheme.
They will also be given identity cards by the government. This will benefit over one crore gig workers across the country.
The registration for the same will be done through the e-Shram portal.
Economic impact
Gig workers' contribution to new-age economy recognized
Sitharaman also recognized the importance of gig workers in India's changing economy during her Budget speech.
She said, "Gig workers provide great dynamism to the new-age economy."
The finance minister also assured that the government will take necessary measures to support these workers.
This recognition highlights the increasing prominence of gig work in India's economy.
Sector growth
Rapid expansion of quick commerce sector
The quick commerce sector in India has grown tremendously over the last year. Zomato's Blinkit, Lightspeed-backed Zepto, and Swiggy Instamart have hired thousands of gig workers for different roles. These workers mainly manage dark stores and handle deliveries, which has fueled the sector's rapid growth.
Worker definition
Who are gig workers?
NITI Aayog defines gig workers as those employed "outside the traditional employer-employee arrangement."
These workers can be broadly classified into two categories—platform and non-platform-based workers.
The new budget provisions are likely to benefit several gig workers associated with various online platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, and BigBasket.