Centre faces heat for favouring RSS-linked unions over others on gig workers’ board

The Centre has come under scrutiny for its preference towards Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) linked unions over others on the National Social Security Board (NSSB) for gig workers. The 40-member board, appointed by the government for a three-year term, is heavily dominated by these unions, with Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) and Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB) holding three seats each.

However, there are no representatives from most of the 12 labour unions recognized by the government, such as the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC).

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has notified the formation of the NSSB for unorganised, gig, and platform workers under the Code on Social Security. The board will design, monitor, and recommend welfare schemes to address the social security gap for gig workers. Despite the government's claims of breaking norms and creating a new system, opposition groups argue that the exclusion of many recognized unions from the board undermines the democratic process.