Maharashtra Labour Dept. Moves To Regulate Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit Hiring
Mumbai: The Maharashtra Labour Department has directed strict verification of gig and delivery workers to enhance consumer safety. At a joint meeting with the Home Department, Labour Minister Aakash Fundkar called for a comprehensive regulatory framework for platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy and Blinkit. Key proposals include mandatory cyber registration for gig workers, QR code-enabled ID cards, and clearly defined accountability for companies hiring them.
The government is also considering a unified registration system, social security benefits, grievance-redress mechanisms, stricter audits and enhanced safety protocols — particularly for women using app-based services like Ola and Uber.
The meeting at Mantralaya was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Labour) I.A. Kundan, Joint Commissioner of the State Intelligence Department Ravindra Shisve, and MLA Sumit Wankhede, among others. Officials reviewed current onboarding practices in which online companies register workers through faceless processes and rely on third-party verification agencies. Concerns were raised over who authorises these agencies, the criteria they follow and the legal basis of their verification processes.
Mr. Fundkar said companies listing gig and platform workers as “partners” must take full responsibility for their background checks. He instructed officials to draft a comprehensive framework, in coordination with all relevant departments, covering issues such as commercial registration of vehicles used for deliveries, validity of driving licences and modes of payment.
Officials said the meeting stressed the need for stronger regulation to ensure safety and proper governance of gig and platform workers, who are typically engaged through third-party agencies rather than direct recruitment — leading to ambiguity in accountability. Onboarding currently requires documents such as Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, driving licence, vehicle papers, insurance and e-Shram registration.
“There is a need for a uniform regulatory framework governing this process. It has been discussed that all gig workers should be mandatorily registered with the cyber department and required to carry QR code-enabled ID cards to present to customers on request,” a senior official said.
Discussions were also held regarding a state-level registration system for gig workers, introducing a licensing framework for online platforms, and creating a digital identity and unique ID system. Officials said proposals include accident insurance, social security schemes, a grievance-redress mechanism and clearly defining corporate responsibilities.
From the perspective of women’s safety, Mr. Fundkar said the government is considering giving female passengers the option to choose female drivers on platforms like Ola and Uber. Companies may also be required to conduct regular audits of gig workers’ activities and submit quarterly reports to police if any suspicious instances are detected.
