The government today said that the number of gig workers and platform workers in the country is expected to rise to 23.5 million by 2029-30.

In a written reply in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje said that as per NITI Aayog’s report, the number of gig workers and platform workers in the country was 7.7 million in 2020-21, including women.

Ms Karandlaje said that for the first time, the definition of gig workers and platform workers and provisions related to the same has been provided in the Code on Social Security, 2020 which has been enacted by the Parliament. The Code on Social Security provides for framing suitable social security measures for gig workers and platform workers on matters relating to life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, and old age protection among others.