Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has announced that Goa government is set to introduce a dedicated policy for gig workers within the next six months, in response to growing concerns about the rising number of delivery personnel working for platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and Blinkit. The move comes following a joint Calling Attention in the Assembly raised by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao and MLAs Vijay Sardesai, Altone D’Costa, Viresh Borkar, Carlos Ferreira, Cruz Silva, and Venzy Viegas.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant informed the House that the proposed policy would require all gig workers to undergo police verification and mandatory registration. “This issue spans multiple departments such as Home, Labour, and the Food and Drugs Administration, as it involves both public safety and health,” Sawant stated, assuring that a policy framework would be finalised within six months.
The Opposition voiced concerns over reports suggesting that over 8,000 delivery workers from outside the State are operating in Goa, many using vehicles with registration numbers from other states. They urged the government to act swiftly to safeguard local employment and ensure that delivery platforms align with Goa’s socio-economic interests.
GFP MLA Vijai Sardesai questioned the lack of background checks for gig workers, raising safety concerns. In response, Labour and Employment Minister Atanasio Monserrate clarified that these delivery agents are considered self-employed and work on a commission basis, making them ineligible under conventional labour laws. However, he added that they can register on the central government’s e-Shram portal for unorganised workers.
“A special drive conducted from April 7 to 17, 2025, resulted in 862 gig workers in Goa being registered on the e-Shram portal,” Monserrate informed. He added that while the offices of Swiggy, Instakart, Amazon, and Delhivery comply with the Goa Shops and Establishments Act, 1973, Blinkit’s registration is still pending.
Monserrate also revealed that the Union government is working on a national framework to ensure social security for platform-based gig workers. Some delivery platforms, he said, are already engaging with local youth through job fairs. Blinkit recently held interviews for roles such as Store Manager and Store Associate and is scheduled to host another placement drive on August 7 at the Model Career Centre. Swiggy also took part in the Mega Job Fair at the Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium.
The Labour Department has been promoting such opportunities via social media and local WhatsApp groups that include MLAs, Monserrate said. On the issue of reserving jobs for locals, he clarified that any such provision would be legally untenable. Nevertheless, the Centre is working to secure benefits for gig workers across India.
Addressing concerns over non-Goa registered vehicles used by delivery agents, the Chief Minister said the matter will be referred to the Transport Department for further examination.
