PANAJI
The Goa government is likely to formulate a comprehensive policy for gig workers in the State within the next six months amid rising concerns over an influx of delivery agents employed by platforms like Zomato, Swiggy and Blinkit.
Responding to a joint Calling Attention tabled by Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao, MLAs Vijay Sardesai, Altone D’Costa, Viresh Borkar, Carlos Ferreira, Cruz Silva and Venzy Viegas, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the new policy will make registration and police verification mandatory for all gig workers operating in the State.
“The issue involves several departments including Home, FDA and Labour, as it concerns both law and order and health,” he told the Legislative Assembly, assuring the policy will be in place within six months.
During the discussion, the Opposition MLAs raised alarm over reports that more than 8,000 delivery workers have been brought in from outside Goa along with their own two-wheelers bearing non-Goa registration plates. They sought to know the steps being taken to protect local employment, regulate the sector and ensure such platforms work in line with Goa’s economic and social interests.
GFP MLA Sardesai went on to question the antecedents of the delivery agents given that they are not verified and hence could be a threat to society.
Labour and Employment Minister Atanasio Monserrate informed the House that gig workers function on a self-employed, commission-based model, and hence do not fall under standard Labour Legislation.
However, they are eligible to register under the e-Shram Portal, a Central Government platform for unorganised sector workers.
“A special registration drive was held from April 7 to April 17, 2025, during which 862 gig workers in Goa were registered on the e-Shram portal,” Monserrate informed, adding, “These delivery partners are not covered under the Labour Legislations as the delivery persons who actually deliver food/ grocery items on a self-employment on commission basis.”
However, he added that the offices of Swiggy, Instakart, Amazon and Delhivery are already registered under the Goa Shops and Establishment Act, 1973. Blinkit’s compliance under the Act is still pending.
Monserrate further stated that the Central government is already working on a framework to provide social security benefits to gig workers on platforms such as Zomato and Swiggy.
“The delivery platforms have shown willingness to engage with local youth through placement drives. Blinkit has conducted interviews for positions like Store Manager and Store Associate, and will hold another placement drive on August 7 at the Model Career Centre. Swiggy also participated in the Mega Job Fair at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium,” he said.
The Labour Department has been promoting such drives via social media and WhatsApp groups, which include local MLAs, he added.
“There is no provision to reserve these jobs only for Goan candidates, as it would be ultra vires. However, the Centre is concerned about these workers and is actively working to ensure their welfare,” Monserrate added, replying to questions by the MLAs on priority to Goans for jobs within the State.
As for concerns regarding non-Goa registered delivery vehicles, the government will write to the Transport Department to examine the issue.
