In the bustling streets of India, where the gig economy thrives, millions of workers—delivery riders, home service providers, and drivers—are the invisible backbone of urban life. For years, these workers have operated in the shadows, without the safety nets of social security, minimum wages, or employee benefits. But a recent development has sparked hope for this growing workforce.
The e-Shram Portal: A Ray of Hope
In a landmark move, four major aggregators—Urban Company, Zomato, Blinkit, and Uncle Delivery—have registered their workers on the e-Shram portal, a national database for unorganised workers. Launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, e-Shram aims to provide recognition and social security benefits to millions of workers who have long been excluded from formal labour protections.
This initiative is a significant step forward, especially as the gig economy continues to expand. According to a Niti Aayog report, the number of gig workers in India is expected to rise to 23.5 million by 2029-30. Yet, despite their critical role in the economy, gig workers are not recognised as employees. This means they are denied access to basic rights like minimum wages, provident funds, and other social security benefits.
Why This Matters?
For gig workers, e-Shram registration is more than just a formality—it’s a gateway to dignity and security. By consolidating worker information and ensuring aggregators take responsibility for registration, the portal paves the way for better access to social security schemes like insurance, pensions, and financial assistance.
The digital nature of platform work makes this process seamless compared to traditional unorganised sectors. For instance, construction workers, one of the largest segments of unorganised labour, have historically struggled with bureaucratic hurdles, lack of awareness, and low literacy levels. Despite the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (BOCW) collecting funds for social security, poor registration has left much of the money underutilised.
In contrast, platform workers in transportation, home delivery, and housekeeping sectors stand to benefit significantly from e-Shram. The portal not only serves as a registry but also links workers to various government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) for health benefits and Skill India Digital for employment opportunities.
The Bigger Picture
As of January 2024, over 306 million workers have been enrolled on the e-Shram portal, with the largest groups being agricultural workers, domestic helpers, and construction workers. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and West Bengal lead in registrations. While the exact number of platform workers registered is unclear, the government’s efforts to collect this data are a positive sign.
In the Union Budget 2025 speech, it was announced that gig workers would receive identity cards and access to healthcare benefits under PMJAY. However, challenges remain. The real test lies in ensuring aggregator accountability and translating registrations into tangible benefits.
Beyond Registration
While e-Shram is a promising start, it is just the beginning. For gig workers to truly thrive, concrete steps must be taken:
- Direct Social Security Contributions: Aggregators must contribute to social security funds, ensuring workers have access to pensions, insurance, and financial assistance.
- Health Benefits: Linking gig workers to healthcare schemes like PMJAY can provide much-needed medical support.
- Financial Protections: Clear procedures must be established to help workers avail of benefits post-registration.
- Awareness Campaigns: Many workers are unaware of their rights or how to access benefits. Grassroots campaigns can bridge this gap.
A Cry for Action
The story of India’s gig workers is one of resilience and hope. With e-Shram, the government and aggregators have taken a crucial first step toward recognising and protecting this vital workforce. But the journey doesn’t end here.
As citizens, we must advocate for the rights of gig workers, ensuring they are not left behind in India’s growth story. By holding aggregators accountable and pushing for comprehensive social security measures, we can create a future where every worker—whether delivering food or fixing a leaky faucet—has the dignity and security they deserve.
The time to act is now. Let’s make sure e-Shram is not just a portal but a promise—a promise of a better tomorrow for India’s gig workers.