The Assam Assembly has rejected the demand to ensure social security for thousands of gig and platform workers associated with the digital economy. On Friday, the government opposed the proposal moved by Congress MLA Zubeir Anam Mazumdar, stating that the responsibility of framing welfare schemes for gig workers primarily lies with the Central Government.
Moving the proposal, Zubeir Anam Mazumdar said, “Though gig workers engaged in app-based transport, food delivery, e-commerce, logistics etc. play a crucial role in the digital economy, they are deprived of fixed wages, provident fund, paid leave, or any kind of social security benefits.”
The Congress MLA further mentioned that several states in the country have already formed welfare boards for gig and platform workers. He urged the government to constitute a similar welfare board in Assam to safeguard the interests of workers in this category.
Responding to the discussion, Minister Rameswar Teli said that formulating social security and welfare schemes for gig and platform workers falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Government. He also informed that these issues are currently being considered under the existing legal framework.
Following the Minister’s reply, a voting was held in the Assembly. As the majority of members opposed the proposal, the proposal on social security for gig workers moved by Congress MLA Zubeir Anam Mazumdar was rejected.
