Wed Sep 18 02:51:57 UTC 2024: ## Government Enlists Platform Aggregators to Register Gig Workers on e-Shram Portal

**New Delhi, Sep 17:** The Indian government has taken a significant step towards expanding social security benefits for gig workers, inviting platform aggregators to register their workers on the e-Shram portal. This move aims to create an accurate database of gig workers and ensure their access to various social welfare schemes.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued guidelines outlining the responsibilities of aggregators, including registering workers and updating their data. Upon registration, gig workers will receive a Universal Account Number (UAN), granting them access to key social security benefits.

The ministry has already completed testing for API integration with a few aggregators and is currently moving forward with the registration process. The government is committed to ensuring full coverage of gig workers, with ongoing collaboration between the ministry and platform aggregators.

Aggregators are also required to regularly update workers’ details, including work engagement and payments. They must also report any worker exits promptly to maintain accurate records.

To facilitate the onboarding process, a toll-free helpline (14434) has been established for information, registration guidance, and technical support. A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday with aggregators, chaired by Union Labour and Employment minister Mansukh Mandaviya, to further encourage their participation in the initiative.

This initiative is particularly relevant considering the rapid growth of India’s gig workforce. According to a NITI Aayog report, the gig workforce is projected to expand to 2.35 crore by 2029-30 from 77 lakh in 2020-21. Gig workers are expected to comprise 6.7% of the non-agricultural workforce or 4.1% of the total livelihood in India by 2029-30.

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