Comments on the draft Jharkhand Platform based Gig Workers Bill, 2024

Overview

The Jharkhand government has released a draft bill, the Jharkhand Platform-Based Gig Workers (Protection of Labour Rights and Welfare) Bill, 2023, to regulate the gig economy and protect the rights of gig workers in the state.

The bill defines a gig worker as someone who performs work or provides services through an online platform and is not an employee of the platform.

Key Provisions of the Bill

Registration and Licensing

The bill proposes to create a registration and licensing system for gig workers. Gig workers will have to register with the government and obtain a license to operate.

Minimum Wage and Benefits

The bill also proposes to set a minimum wage for gig workers and provide them with certain benefits, such as health insurance and paid time off.

Social Security

The bill also includes provisions for social security for gig workers, such as provident fund and gratuity.

Dispute Resolution

The bill also establishes a mechanism for resolving disputes between gig workers and online platforms.

Stakeholder Feedback

The draft bill has been met with mixed reactions from stakeholders.

Gig workers have welcomed the bill, saying that it will help improve their working conditions and provide them with much-needed protection.

However, some online platforms have expressed concerns about the bill, saying that it could increase their costs and make it more difficult to operate in the state.

Next Steps

The Jharkhand government is currently seeking feedback on the draft bill.

The bill is expected to be introduced in the state assembly in the upcoming session.

Conclusion

The Jharkhand Platform-Based Gig Workers (Protection of Labour Rights and Welfare) Bill, 2023 is a significant step towards regulating the gig economy in the state and protecting the rights of gig workers.

The bill is likely to be debated in the state assembly in the coming months.