Uber Rolls Out New Features; Incentives For E-shram Registrations

Uber India has announced a series of new features aimed at creating a “safer, easier, and fairer” experience for its drivers, who rely on the platform for flexible earning opportunities. 

Uber claims that it currently has more than 1 million monthly active drivers in India. 

The updates include incentives for e-Shram registrations, among other feature updates such as  SOS integration, helmet selfie verification for two-wheeler drivers, and a women rider preference option for female drivers. 

“Aligned with India’s Code on Social Security, Uber is also supporting driver registrations on the e-Shram portal, a national database for gig and unorganized workers. To encourage sign-ups, Uber is offering cash incentives to the first 10,000 drivers who register, helping drivers secure future social benefits.” states the press release. 

What is India’s Code on Social Security? 

India’s Code on Social Security (CoSS), 2020 is a law that aims to provide social security benefits to workers in both the organised and unorganised sectors, including gig workers. It aims to offer protection through benefits like pensions, health insurance, maternity leave, and accident insurance. The code consolidates existing labor laws, intending to ensure that workers in informal sectors have access to welfare schemes. 

It also supports the creation of a national database for workers, such as the e-Shram portal, to facilitate access to social security benefits. The goal is to provide a broader safety net for workers, especially in non-traditional employment.

Government relaunched the e-Shram portal 

Last month, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya relaunched the e-Shram portal. The portal is a national database for unorganised workers, including migrant workers. The portal allows self-registration and connects workers with government welfare schemes. Since its launch in 2021, reportedly over 30 crore workers have enrolled. However, reports stated that the old portal lacked transparency. e-Shram cardholders criticized the lack of clarity regarding welfare programs and the difficulty in accessing benefits. Additionally, gig workers have criticized the complex registration process, noting that while eShram covers about 400 occupations across 30 sectors, it does not capture the flexible nature of gig work. The labor ministry allocated Rs 300 crore to improve the portal.

Uber previously pushed back on California law forcing drivers to be classified as employees

Uber classifies its drivers as “independent contractors” or gig workers, a decision that has faced criticism and legal challenges, as it enables the company to avoid providing worker protections that would be mandatory for employees, reported Guardian. 

It was reported in 2020 that ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft had been in dispute with the US Government over the implementation of labour protections. A landmark employment law, AB5 (Assembly Bill 5), came into effect in January 2020, requiring gig workers to be classified as employees instead of independent contractors. This law was designed to grant employment benefits to workers in the gig economy. 

However, subsequently it was reported that Californian voters supported the $200-million Proposition 22 campaign led by Uber and Lyft. Voters approved the measure, which exempted ride-hail and delivery companies from California employment law. This allowed the companies to continue classifying workers as independent contractors, reported Los Angeles Times.

Read More: 

• Govt Relaunches eShram Portal with New Features for Gig Workers
• India’s new social security code proposes fund for gig workers: Report
• Gig Workers Push for Fleet vs Owner-Driver Model Talks With Uber

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