Question : Gig Economy

(a)whether the gig economy is still at a very nascent stage in India and is marred by several challenges.
(b)whether the ASSOCHAM had predicted India‘s gig economy would grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 17 per cent to touch a figure of $455 billion in the next three years, if so, whether there are some challenges in this sector that need to be addressed;
(c)whether the workforce has limited employment rights like minimum wages, health benefits, sick leaves or even retirement benefits to fall back on and the payment is assured only on the completion of the project giving a sense of financial insecurity;
(d)whether it is a fact that the lack of any kind of protection was also deterring several talented workers from participating in the economy; and
(e)the measures taken by the Government to address these issues in gig economy of the Country?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a) & (b): As per information obtained from the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), they have not come out with a research/study paper indicating any figure about the future size of the gig economy during the next few years. However, the general assessment is that gig economy fast picking up in India.

(c) to (e): In order to bring gig workers under the ambit of social security, the Code on Social Security, 2020 which has been notified envisages framing of schemes, inter alia, for gig workers and their family members for providing benefits including health benefits through the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation. The various provisions of the Code have not come into force as yet.

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