A STUDY OF WELFARE MEASURES FOR GIG WORKERS IN INDIA

This paper examines the evolving welfare measures for gig workers, focusing on legislative frameworks, government initiatives, and the challenges faced in implementation. The study highlights the Code on Social Security, 2020 (CoSS) as a ground breaking policy that formally acknowledges gig workers and mandates social security provisions. The study includes analysis of various secondary data collected from government reports, academic research, and news articles as well as evaluation of effectiveness of initiatives such as the E-Shram portal registration drive, healthcare benefits under Ayushman Bharat, and proposed pension contributions. However, these initiatives encounter challenges, including inconsistent implementation across different states, ambiguous regulations, low levels of worker registration, and ineffective enforcement. To genuinely support gig workers, it is essential for the government, corporations, and the workers themselves to collaborate, leveraging improved technology, financial services, and skills training. The study concludes that the gig economy in India offers flexibility and income but lacks adequate worker protection and social security. While recent legal and institutional measures mark progress, their impact is limited by poor implementation and coordination. A robust welfare system demands joint efforts from the government, private sector, and workers, underpinned by digital and financial inclusion. Keywords: Gig Economy, Gig Workers, Social Security Code, Welfare Measures.