Budget 2025:-1 February 2025 – Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman made a historic announcement for Gig Workers while presenting the Union Budget 2025 in Parliament today. Know about the budget? 
Budget 2025:-February 1, 2025 – The Modi government has made a major announcement for gig workers in Union Budget 2025. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has declared that the government will provide ID cards to 1 crore gig workers and register them on the e-Shram portal. This initiative aims to ensure social and economic security for urban workers, especially those working in the unorganized sector.
Who Are Gig Workers, and How Will They Benefit?
Gig workers include people working independently or on a contract basis, especially on online platforms. This includes:
- Delivery partners working for Zomato, Swiggy, Amazon, and Flipkart
- Cab drivers working with Ola and Uber
- Freelancers, contract workers, and service providers in various industries
This is the first time the Indian government has taken such a big step for gig workers. The finance minister has confirmed that these workers will get access to social security schemes and insurance benefits, improving their quality of life.
What Benefits Will Gig Workers Receive?
- ID Cards: Workers will get official identity cards from the government.
- Registration on the e-Shram Portal: This will help the government track and support gig workers efficiently.
- Health Benefits Under PM-JAY: Gig workers will now be covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), ensuring they receive free healthcare services.
- Accidental Insurance: Inspired by the U.S. model, India will provide insurance coverage for gig workers in case of workplace accidents.
Why Is This Important?
India’s gig economy is growing rapidly, with millions of people working as delivery agents, cab drivers, and part-time service providers. However, they often lack job security, insurance, and health benefits. With this scheme, gig workers will get the same protections as full-time employees in traditional jobs.
The Labour Ministry had proposed this plan earlier, and now the Finance Ministry has approved it. The government aims to register 10 crore gig workers in the coming years, ensuring they receive proper employment rights and financial security.
How Will This Change Their Lives?
- Better Job Security: Workers will get official recognition, making it easier for them to access loans, insurance, and other benefits.
- Financial Safety: If a gig worker meets an accident or falls ill, they will have insurance coverage.
- Workplace Benefits: The government is also considering making companies offer better working conditions to gig workers.
To make sure these workers get full benefits, the government may introduce working hour limits (such as 90, 120, or 160 hours per month) to qualify for insurance and other protections.
This move is a historic step towards protecting gig workers in India, giving them the recognition and security they have long deserved.
