Nirmala Sitharaman Reveals Significant Benefits for Gig Workers: Who Are They?
Budget 2025 Update: Gig Workers Eligible for AB-PMJAY
In a groundbreaking announcement, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman revealed a new provision in Budget 2025 that will benefit gig workers. These individuals, often engaged in short-term and flexible jobs like cab driving, online delivery services, and freelance work, will now be eligible for the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This move is a significant step towards providing essential healthcare coverage to gig workers who typically do not have access to traditional employment benefits.
Understanding Gig Workers
Gig workers make up a rapidly growing segment of the workforce. Projections indicate that by 2030, approximately 4.1% of India’s total workforce, amounting to around 23.5 crore people, will fall into the category of gig workers. These individuals often face uncertainty and lack of stability in their employment arrangements, making access to healthcare a critical issue for them.
About AB-PMJAY
The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) was launched in September 2018 with the aim of providing health insurance coverage for up to Rs 5 lakh per year for eligible families. Managed by the National Health Authority (NHA), the scheme offers immediate benefits with no waiting period and includes coverage for pre-existing conditions. Initially covering 10.74 crore families, AB-PMJAY now extends to 14.74 crore families, benefiting nearly 70 crore people across the country.
Expanding Coverage
The decision to include gig workers in the AB-PMJAY scheme stems from recommendations put forth by the NHA to extend health insurance coverage to those who are currently uninsured. This move is in line with the objectives outlined in the National Health Policy 2017, which emphasizes the importance of universal health coverage for all citizens. By incorporating gig workers into the scheme, the government is taking a proactive step towards addressing the healthcare needs of a vulnerable segment of the workforce.
Overall, the inclusion of gig workers in the AB-PMJAY scheme marks a significant milestone in ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their employment status, have access to essential healthcare services. This move not only benefits gig workers and their families but also contributes to the broader goal of achieving universal health coverage for all citizens of India.