Guwahati: The Assam Legislative Assembly on Friday rejected a resolution advocating for a comprehensive social security framework tailored for the state's burgeoning gig and platform economy workers. The proposal, brought forth by Congress MLA Zubair Anam Mazumder, aimed to address the welfare of individuals engaged in app-based services such as transport, food delivery, e-commerce, and logistics.
During the discussion, Mazumder underscored the critical role these workers play in Assam's expanding digital economy. He highlighted their precarious employment conditions, often characterized by the absence of fixed salaries, provident fund benefits, paid leave, or any assured social security. The legislator urged the state government to extend vital social security provisions to this segment of the workforce, drawing parallels with several other Indian states that have already established welfare boards for gig and platform workers.
In response to the resolution, Cabinet Minister Rameswar Teli stated that the formulation and implementation of welfare schemes for gig and platform workers primarily fall under the purview of the Central government. He further indicated that issues concerning their social security and overall welfare are currently being addressed at the national level, suggesting ongoing efforts to integrate these workers into broader social protection initiatives.
The rejection of the resolution leaves the future of a state-specific welfare mechanism for gig workers in Assam uncertain, with the government deferring responsibility to central policies.
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