Goa Government to Introduce Policy to Regulate Gig Workers by End of 2023

Concerns have been rising about the influx of gig economy workers in Goa, who are employed by quick service delivery platforms. These workers, often from other states, have raised concerns about labour rights, health, and safety. In response, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the government will introduce a policy to regulate these workers within the next six months. The policy will require gig workers to register and undergo verification, ensuring that they comply with state labour laws and regulations.

Key Takeaways:

• The Goa government plans to introduce a policy to regulate gig workers employed by quick service delivery platforms within six months.
• The policy aims to address concerns about labour rights, health, and safety of gig workers.
• Registration and verification of gig workers will be made compulsory, with multiple departments, including labour and employment, transport, home, food and drugs administration, and police, closely monitoring their activities.
• The government has already registered 862 gig workers, and labour minister Atanasio Monserrate stated that there is no provision to reserve gigs or other vacancies only for Goans.
• Central government regulations may be implemented for gig workers in the future, as the Centre is currently seized of this matter nationwide.

Statistics:

• 862 gig workers are currently registered in Goa.
• 6 months is the timeframe given by the government to introduce the policy regulating gig workers.

Sources:

• "Goa Government to Introduce Policy to Regulate Gig Workers" (Times News Network)
• Yuri Alemao's speech in the legislative assembly (Times News Network)
• Atanasio Monserrate's statement as labour minister (Times News Network)
• CM Pramod Sawant's announcement in the legislative assembly (Times News Network)