Mumbai, April 7 (IANS) To ensure that customers receive secure services through online platforms, gig, and delivery workers, Maharashtra Labour Minister Akash Phundkar on Tuesday directed the formulation of a comprehensive framework.

The emphasis will be on worker verification to ensure services are flawless, safe, and within the legal framework. These instructions were issued during a joint meeting of the Labour and Home Departments.

Various delivery and service-providing companies appoint delivery partners to provide doorstep services. Currently, these companies conduct online, faceless registrations and forward the data to third-party verification agencies.

However, the meeting involved detailed discussions regarding the legal authority of these agencies, the legal basis of their processes, and the overall safety of both consumers and workers, said the government.

Minister Phundkar stated that companies registering gig and platform workers as “partners” must accept full responsibility for their background checks and safety.

He directed that a comprehensive plan be developed by coordinating with all relevant departments to study aspects such as commercial registration of vehicles used for delivery.

The meeting highlighted the need for stringent measures to regulate gig and platform workers in online food and goods delivery companies. Most aggregator companies in the state operate via online platforms and appoint workers through third-party agencies rather than direct recruitment.

This results in a lack of a traditional employer-employee relationship and creates ambiguity in responsibilities, said the release.

While documents like Aadhaar, Permanent Account Number, bank details, driving licences, vehicle papers, insurance, and e-Shram registration are currently required, the meeting emphasised the need for a uniform regulatory code, said the minister.

According to the minister, all gig workers must be registered with the Cyber Department. Compulsory QR-code-based identity cards must be presented by workers upon customer request.

There will be development of a state-level registration and licensing system for online companies.

The discussions also covered the implementation of accident insurance, social security schemes, and a robust grievance redressal mechanism. Phundkar suggested that in the interest of female commuters, a feature allowing women passengers to choose female drivers should be made available.

Furthermore, every company must conduct regular audits of their gig workers’ operations and submit quarterly reports to the police if any suspicious activity is detected.

Minister Phundkar stated that citizen safety is paramount in the state’s growing digital distribution ecosystem.

Consequently, he directed the creation of an independent and clear policy framework for gig and platform workers in coordination with the Home Department.

–IANS

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