Centre faces heat for favouring RSS-linked unions over others on gig workers’ board

A 40-member National Social Security Board for gig workers has been formed amid allegations of bias favoring RSS-affiliated unions, sidelining recognized unions like CITU and AITUC. This is a significant development for the growing gig workforce in India, projected to reach 2.35 crore by 2029.

The Ministry of Labour has formed a 40-member National Social Security Board to recommend and oversee welfare for unorganised, gig, and platform workers. However, the board's composition has faced criticism and concerns over favoritism, particularly towards RSS-linked organizations such as the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, leaving out many recognized unions including CITU and AITUC from participation. This decision comes at a time when India's gig workforce is anticipated to reach about 2.35 crore by 2029. The board is tasked with crafting and monitoring targeted welfare schemes to address the urgent social security needs that gig economy workers face as they often lack adequate protections and benefits.

Source: Indian Express – https://indianexpress.com/article/business/ministry-labour-employment-national-social-security-board-gig-workers-rss-unions-citutilation-10944339