The Central Government’s New Labour Power Policy 2025 proposes major reforms to strengthen the rights and welfare of workers across India. Under this policy, gig workers — those working for platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, Uber, and Amazon — will now receive formal recognition. This means they will become eligible for social security benefits, insurance coverage, and pension schemes.
A digital system will be developed to record how many people are employed in each sector, track who has received insurance or pension benefits, and identify areas where safety regulations have been violated. Workers will also be able to file complaints online, ensuring time-bound redressal.
Focus on Employment Opportunities
The new policy aims to act as a facilitator of employment, connecting workers, employers, and training institutions. The National Career Service (NCS) will be developed as India’s Digital Public Infrastructure for Employment, offering job matching, skill verification, and access to skill-based opportunities. According to officials, the policy is designed to help India achieve the vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
India’s Massive Workforce
The draft highlights that India has a workforce of over 500 million people, including formal, informal, and gig workers. While this represents a strategic demographic advantage, it also brings complex challenges such as ensuring equitable growth, quality employment, and social security. The new policy aims to address these through integrated and inclusive measures.
Key Objectives of the Policy
- Creation of a Unified Social Security Account by linking EPFO, ESIC, PMJAY, e-Shram, and State Welfare Boards.
- Implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Code 2020, including risk assessment and gender-sensitive standards for women workers.
- Integration of Skill India, NAPS, and PMKVY programs into a unified career development framework.
