The AAP-Delhi government will soon frame a law to safeguard the interests and security of the capital’s gig workers, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal assured a delegation of representatives from the sector Thursday.
A delegation of the Gig Workers Association of Delhi had called on Kejriwal to seek the framing of a law to ensure social security for platform-based gig workers — employed on app-based platforms — in Delhi, whom the CM assured of a law which, however, may take some time to be framed.
The association’s memorandum sought job security and benefits like ESI and PF. It also flagged issues related to low wages and work hours, appealing for the creation of laws in Delhi as well as the establishment of a welfare fund for gig workers. It also suggested the imposition of a welfare cess of up to 2% on app-based private firms, which should be used for the welfare of workers employed by them.
Following the meeting, the government said Kejriwal issued instructions to determine if gig workers fall under the definition of workers as per the Construction Workers Welfare Board which would eliminate the need to create a separate law and allow those employed as such to benefit from existing Delhi government schemes.
According to the government, the CM also suggested to the association that if gig workers do not fall under the purview of the Construction Workers Welfare Board, they should seek the central government’s help in this regard.
‘The CM mentioned that he is not clear on whether state governments have the power to levy taxes (cess) or not, and this requires further examination. He emphasised that his government is solemnly committed to standing with the common people and will work to create robust laws to ensure social security for gig workers, even though it might take some time,’ the government stated.
