Labour Law Reforms on Unorganized, Gig and Platform Workers Under the Code On Social Security: Issues and Challenges

Hamza Khan

Abstract

With the introduction of the Code on Social Security in 2020, India's labour regulations governing gig, platform, and unorganised employees are expected to undergo major modification. The main problems and difficulties with the code's implementation are highlighted below, along with how they affect these weaker workforce sectors. The Code on Social Security aims to provide employees in the unorganised, gig, and platform sectors complete social security coverage, including advantages like health insurance, maternity benefits, and pensions. To effectively execute these changes, however, a number of issues must be resolved. The identification and registration of unorganised, gig, and platform employees, who often engage in informal and decentralised labour arrangements, is one of the main obstacles. To guarantee these employees' access to benefits, a solid system must be established for identifying and enrolling them in social security. Determining the job connection in the gig and platform economies presents another problem. The distinction between regular employment and self-employment is sometimes blurred since these employees frequently work as independent contractors. It is very difficult to determine their rights and obligations under the law while keeping the flexibility provided by gig labour.