Union Budget 2025: Gig workers to get identity cards

Gig workers will also be registered on eShram portal

by e4m Staff
Published: Feb 1, 2025 4:36 PM | 2 min read

In a major relief for gig and platform workers, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced on Saturday that nearly 1 crore gig workers will receive identity cards and will be registered on the eShram portal. The announcement was made during the Union Budget presentation in the Lok Sabha.

To provide social security, gig workers from platforms like Ola, Uber, Rapido, Zomato, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit will also be covered under the PM Jan Aarogya Yojana (PM-JAY), ensuring access to essential healthcare services.

“Gig workers form the backbone of the new-age service economy. Recognizing their contribution, the government will arrange for their identification and registration, bringing them into the social security net,” Sitharaman said.

With the rapid rise of the gig economy, concerns about the welfare of platform workers have gained traction. While they contribute significantly to urban mobility and delivery services, many lack formal job security and healthcare benefits.

The new initiative is expected to bring financial and health security to a vast section of workers, many of whom operate without stable social safety nets. More details on the implementation of the scheme are expected to be outlined in the coming months.

Reacting to the development, Aadit Palicha, Co-Founder and CEO, Zepto, said, "The introduction of social security measures for gig workers is a key highlight, acknowledging their valuable contribution to the economy. It’s a much-needed upliftment and a step towards recognising gig workers' contribution in India’s economy and youth employment."