Centre faces heat for favouring RSS-linked unions over others on gig workers’ board
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Ravi Dutta Mishra, Aanchal Magazine
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has formed a 40-member National Social Security Board for gig and unorganised workers. The move faces criticism due to the heavy representation of RSS-linked unions like the BMS and LUB.
The Formation of the National Social Security Board: A Contentious Milestone
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has officially notified the constitution of the National Social Security Board (NSSB), a pivotal body established under the Code on Social Security. This board is tasked with the critical mandate of designing, monitoring, and recommending welfare schemes aimed at bridging the systemic social security gap for India's burgeoning gig and platform worker population. While the establishment of such a board is a significant legislative step toward formalizing protections for the unorganised sector, the composition of the 40-member body has sparked immediate political controversy.
The Composition Controversy: Political Allegations of Bias
Critics have raised significant concerns regarding the selection process for the board’s membership. Reports indicate that the government-nominated list is heavily skewed toward organizations affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Specifically, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) have secured a notable presence, holding a combined total of six seats. This has led to allegations that the government is prioritizing ideologically aligned unions over a broader, more representative coalition of labor organizations that may better reflect the diverse needs of gig workers.
Structural Framework of the NSSB
The board is structured to include 7 representatives from trade unions and 7 from employer groups, alongside a mix of government officials and parliamentarians. Within this framework, the dominance of the RSS-linked BMS—which alone holds three of the seven union seats—raises questions about the inclusivity of the decision-making process. By concentrating influence within specific ideological factions, the board risks alienating independent worker collectives and unions that have historically campaigned for gig worker rights, potentially limiting the scope and effectiveness of future policy recommendations.
Broader Implications for Gig Economy Welfare
The gig economy in India is characterized by a lack of traditional employment benefits, such as health insurance, retirement funds, and unemployment protection. The NSSB was intended to serve as the primary mechanism to mitigate these vulnerabilities. If the board is perceived as partisan, the legitimacy of any schemes it develops could be challenged by worker groups and civil society. The challenge for the Ministry will be to demonstrate that the board can operate independently and prioritize the welfare of the workers over the political leanings of its constituents.
Historical Context and Future Trends
This development occurs against the backdrop of an increasing push to integrate the informal economy into the formal social security net. Historically, trade union representation in India has been fragmented along political lines, with the BMS often exerting significant influence on policy discussions during NDA tenures. Moving forward, the effectiveness of the NSSB will be judged by its ability to deliver tangible benefits to gig workers. If the board fails to address the unique logistical and financial challenges faced by platform workers, it may face further scrutiny and legal challenges from excluded labor representative groups.