During his response to the discussion on the President’s address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made several significant announcements. He revealed in the Lok Sabha that one crore gig workers will now be covered under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. With registration on the e-Shram portal, these workers will receive health coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY). This initiative will benefit unorganized sector workers, including street vendors, delivery personnel working for e-commerce giants like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, and Ola-Uber drivers.
Budget 2025 and Gig Workers’ Welfare
On February 1, during the presentation of the General Budget 2025, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a major step for gig workers. She stated that the government would issue identity cards to one crore gig workers. Upon registration on the e-Shram portal, they will gain access to numerous benefits. Additionally, the Modi government plans to provide health services under the Social Security Scheme. This move aims to recognize and support the gig workforce by formalizing their employment status and extending social security benefits.
Understanding Gig Workers
Gig workers primarily operate in the unorganized sector as independent contract employees. This category includes individuals working for online platforms, delivery services, taxi services, on-call repair services, and many other occupations. With the rise of e-commerce and digital platforms, the gig economy has expanded significantly in India. Workers such as food delivery personnel and Ola-Uber drivers fall under this classification, and their inclusion in Budget 2025 could bring transformative changes to their lives.
Benefits and Facilities for Gig Workers
To enhance social security, gig workers have been included in the e-Shram portal under schemes like PM Swanidhi Yojana. The Modi government has also introduced a UPI-linked credit card with a Rs 30,000 limit for gig workers. The Ministry of Labor had previously proposed a financial draft for approval by the Finance Ministry. Once the Gig and Platform Labor Act is enacted, gig workers will receive additional protections, including workplace safety, accident insurance, and regulated working hours.
Registration Process for Gig Workers
To register for benefits, gig workers need to follow these steps:
- Visit the official e-Shram website: https://register.eshram.gov.in/#/user/self
- Click on the registration option on the homepage.
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify with the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Fill in your bank account details on the new page.
- Provide information regarding your education and family details.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Once registered, gig workers will receive an Ayushman card, granting them health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year under the AB PM-JAY scheme. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the quality of life for gig workers across India.
