Maharashtra Labour Minister Calls for Enhanced Safety and Verification Measures for Gig Workers
Synopsis
In a recent directive, Maharashtra Labour Minister Akash Phundkar emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive framework to ensure the safety and verification of gig workers. This initiative aims to enhance consumer protection and streamline the accountability of service providers.
Key Takeaways
Safety and verification of gig workers are being prioritized.
Companies must assume full accountability for background checks.
Uniform regulatory standards are being called for.
QR-code-based identity cards will be mandatory for gig workers.
Regular audits of gig operations will be enforced.
Mumbai, April 7 (NationPress) To guarantee that customers obtain secure services via online platforms, Maharashtra Labour Minister Akash Phundkar on Tuesday mandated the creation of a comprehensive framework.
The focus will be on worker verification to ensure that services are impeccable, safe, and legally compliant. These directives were communicated during a joint meeting involving the Labour and Home Departments.
Numerous delivery and service-providing enterprises engage delivery partners to offer doorstep services. Currently, these organizations undertake online, faceless registrations and relay the data to third-party verification agencies.
However, the meeting included in-depth discussions on the legal authority of these agencies, the legal foundations of their procedures, and the overall safety of both consumers and workers, as stated by the government.
Minister Phundkar emphasized that companies registering gig and platform workers as “partners” must assume full accountability for their background checks and safety.
He instructed that a detailed plan be developed in collaboration with all relevant departments to explore elements such as the commercial registration of vehicles utilized for delivery.
The meeting underscored the necessity for strict measures to regulate gig and platform workers in online food and goods delivery companies. Most aggregator companies in the state function through online platforms and recruit workers via third-party agencies instead of direct hiring.
This arrangement results in a lack of a traditional employer-employee relationship, leading to uncertainty regarding responsibilities, as noted in the release.
While documents such as Aadhaar, Permanent Account Number, bank details, driving licenses, vehicle papers, insurance, and e-Shram registration are currently mandated, the meeting stressed the need for a uniform regulatory code, according to the minister.
The minister also stated that all gig workers must be registered with the Cyber Department, and compulsory QR-code-based identity cards must be made available to workers upon customer request.
A state-level registration and licensing system for online companies will be developed.
Furthermore, discussions included the implementation of accident insurance, social security schemes, and a robust grievance redressal mechanism. Phundkar proposed that, for the safety of female commuters, an option allowing women passengers to select female drivers should be introduced.
Moreover, every company is required to conduct regular audits of their gig workers’ operations and submit quarterly reports to the police whenever any suspicious activity is detected.
Minister Phundkar asserted that citizen safety is of utmost importance in the state's expanding digital distribution ecosystem.
As a result, he directed the establishment of an independent and transparent policy framework for gig and platform workers in conjunction with the Home Department.
Point of View
The recent directives by Maharashtra's Labour Minister underscore a vital step towards enhancing the safety and accountability of gig workers. This initiative not only protects consumers but also seeks to establish clearer regulations in a rapidly evolving digital economy, reflecting a nation-first approach in governance.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of the framework proposed by the Maharashtra Labour Minister?
The primary goal is to ensure the safety and verification of gig workers, guaranteeing secure services for customers.
What documents are required for gig workers according to the new directives?
Gig workers must present documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, driving licenses, vehicle papers, insurance, and e-Shram registration.
How will the safety of female passengers be addressed?
The minister proposed introducing a feature that allows women passengers to select female drivers for added safety.
What is the significance of QR-code-based identity cards for gig workers?
These identity cards will enhance accountability and security, ensuring that workers can be verified upon customer request.
How often are companies required to audit their gig workers?
Companies must conduct regular audits of their gig workers’ operations and report any suspicious activities quarterly to the police.
