SALAR NEWS

Gig workers welcome Budget but expected more

Karnataka government had introduced a Gig Workers’ Insurance Scheme last year, offering accidental death benefits, permanent disability coverage, and hospital reimbursements.

Salar News

One crore gig workers across India will receive official identity cards and healthcare benefits under the Prandhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

BENGALURU, 1 FEB

Union Budget 2025-26 has brought a significant move for the gig workers, with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing that one crore gig workers across India will receive official identity cards and healthcare benefits under the Prandhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

While delivery executives working with platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Zepto, and BigBasket in Bengaluru have welcomed the move, they stress that the process of availing these benefits must be simple and efficient.
Vinay Sarathi, president of the United Food Delivery Partners' Union, acknowledged the initiative as a positive step but argued that gig workers deserve more. "Identity cards will give gig workers formal recognition, which is important. But the government should have extended provident fund (PF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) benefits to gig workers. We have been demanding this for a long time," he said.
Rakshith, a food delivery executive who also works as a hotel cashier, expressed mixed feelings. "With low salaries, I have to manage two jobs to sustain my family. Every year, budgets promise relief, but nothing really helps the middle class or the poor," he said.
Karnataka government had introduced a Gig Workers’ Insurance Scheme last year, offering accidental death benefits, permanent disability coverage, and hospital reimbursements. However, Vinay Sarathi pointed out gaps in execution. "Some insurance schemes were introduced after our demands, but I have yet to see anyone successfully claim these benefits. Implementation is key," he noted.
Another delivery partner, Arun Kumar, appreciated the move but said the Central government could have done more. "Healthcare benefits are good, but what about job security and better pay structures? Gig workers still lack financial stability. We need long-term solutions beyond just identity cards," he said