NCW Proposes Safety and Social Security Framework for Women in the Gig Economy

The gig economy in India, characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work facilitated by digital platforms, has seen a significant surge in female participation. While it offers flexibility, it also presents unique vulnerabilities. Recognizing this, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has submitted a set of recommendations to the government to establish a robust safety and welfare framework for women in this sector.

The NCW’s proposal addresses three critical pillars: workplace safety, social security, and economic parity. Currently, gig workers are often classified as 'partners' rather than 'employees,' which excludes them from traditional labor law protections. The NCW emphasizes the need for mandatory registration of platform workers to ensure they are eligible for benefits under the Code on Social Security (2020). This is a vital step toward formalizing a workforce that is often referred to as the 'precariat'—workers who lack job security and legal protection.

Safety is a paramount concern, especially for women providing on-demand services in private homes or working late hours. The recommendations suggest implementing tech-based safety features like real-time tracking, SOS triggers, and mandatory gender-sensitization training for all stakeholders. Furthermore, the NCW advocates for the explicit extension of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (POSH) Act, 2013, to the gig sector, requiring platforms to establish functional Internal Committees (IC) to handle grievances.

On the economic front, the NCW highlights the persistent gender pay gap in the digital labor market. It calls for transparent algorithmic management to ensure that pay structures and work allocations are unbiased. Providing maternity benefits and health insurance is also central to the proposal, aiming to prevent women from dropping out of the workforce due to life-cycle changes.