Gig Worker Social Security Push In Maharashtra; Industry Seeks Balanced Rules For Gig Worker Welfare

Mumbai, Jun 30 (KNN) As Maharashtra moves to implement social security protections for gig and platform workers under the Code on Social Security, industry leaders and labour officials have called for a balanced framework that safeguards worker welfare without undermining the flexibility and entrepreneurial opportunities behind the platform economy’s growth.

The Stakeholders' Discussion on ‘Opportunities and Challenges for Platform Economy in India’ was organised on Monday by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) jointly with the All-India Organization of Employers (AIOE). 

The consultation brought together representatives from government, labour administration, industry bodies, and leading platform companies to deliberate on social security implementation, grievance redressal mechanisms, regulatory clarity, compliance readiness, and evolving global standards governing platform work.

Officials Flag Implementation Challenges

Sunita Mhaiskar, Deputy Commissioner, Labour, Mumbai City, described the formal recognition of gig and platform workers under the Social Security Code as a landmark milestone in India's labour reform journey. 

She noted that nearly 93 per cent of India's workforce belongs to the unorganised sector, making the extension of social security to such a large base a complex undertaking. 

Mhaiskar said, “The recognition of gig and platform workers under the Social Security Code lays an important foundation, and its success will depend on all stakeholders working together to build an effective and inclusive framework,” adding that implementation will require close collaboration among government, employers, and workers to ensure benefits reach intended beneficiaries efficiently.

Shirin Lokhande, Joint Commissioner, Labour, Maharashtra, noted that the labour codes are a key step toward a modern, simplified, and future-ready ecosystem, balancing worker welfare and operational flexibility through expanded social security and ease of doing business, with continued stakeholder engagement crucial to their success.

“Draft state rules have already been shared for stakeholder feedback, and we continue to welcome constructive suggestions that can help strengthen implementation. We are confident these reforms will deliver positive outcomes for both enterprises and workers,” Lokhande added.

Industry Highlights Platform Economy's Role in Inclusion

Satish Anand, EC Member, AIOE and Board Member of the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), said India’s platform economy has become a powerful engine of growth and inclusion, generating livelihoods at scale, expanding financial inclusion, and enabling flexible work for millions, including women and youth. 

He noted its growing role in India’s development and the vision of Viksit Bharat, and called for policies to evolve in step with the sector so that worker welfare, innovation, and business agility can reinforce each other.

(KNN Bureau)