Content
- National Bamboo Mission
- Social Security Boost for India’s Gig Workers
National Bamboo Mission
Basics
- Launched: 2006–07 as a CSS; restructured in 2018 under CCEA.
- Scheme Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
- Coverage: Implemented in 24 States/UTs.
- India’s Status:
- 13.96 million ha bamboo area (highest in world).
- 136 species (125 indigenous, 11 exotic).
- 2nd richest in bamboo diversity (after China).
- Market Size: Bamboo & rattan industry worth ₹28,005 crore.
- Funding Pattern:
- 60:40 (Centre:State).
- 90:10 (NE & Hilly states).
- 100% (UTs, R&D institutes, BTSGs).
- Nodal Agency: Implemented via State Bamboo Missions/State Bamboo Development Agencies.
- Integration: Linked with MIDH (2014–16), now aligned with PMKSY, e-NAM, AIF, FPO schemes.
Relevance : GS 3(Agriculture) , GS 2(Governance , Schemes)
Objectives
- Promote holistic bamboo sector growth with regionally differentiated strategies.
- Enhance area under bamboo cultivation (non-forest & forest).
- Ensure end-to-end value chain: quality planting → processing → value addition → marketing.
- Reduce import dependence (esp. in agarbatti sector).
- Support farmers, MSMEs, SHGs, FPOs with financial aid, training, and market linkages.
- Position bamboo as a green substitute for wood, plastic, and steel.
Achievements (till Dec 2024)
- 408 nurseries established (14 accredited).
- 60,000 ha non-forest bamboo plantation.
- 104 treatment/preservation units set up.
- 528 product development/processing units.
- 130 market infrastructure facilities created.
- Integration with MIS + geo-tagging (Bhuvan portal).
Mission Strategy
- Regional Focus: NE states, MP, Maharashtra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, TN, Gujarat, etc.
- Superior Planting Material: Promote genetically superior, high-yield, climate-resilient species.
- End-to-End Value Chain: Cluster-based model involving FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives.
- Institutional Synergy: Coordination across Ministries, NCDC, MSME, KVIC.
- Skill Development & R&D: Focus on design, new products, processing technology.
- Market Access: Infrastructure, e-platforms, exports.
- Policy Push: Mandating bamboo in govt construction (schools, railways, barracks).
Incentives & Financial Support
- Subsidy Pattern: 50:10:40 (subsidy: own contribution: loan).
- Extra 10% subsidy for NE private sector units.
- AIF: Post-harvest & processing support.
- FPOs: Collective farming & marketing power.
Key Issues Addressed in Restructured NBM
- Weak farmer–industry linkage (now strengthened via FPOs, MoUs).
- Limited value addition earlier; now push on product innovation.
- Lack of organized farmer collectives; now emphasis on SHGs/Cooperatives/JLGs.
- Import dependence in agarbatti sector tackled through tariff & policy support (2019 onwards).
Environmental & Climate Role
- Carbon sequestration: Bamboo absorbs 12–14 tonnes CO₂/ha annually.
- Eco-friendly substitute: Reduces pressure on forests.
- Climate Resilience: Grows in degraded lands, drought-tolerant species promoted.
- Supports SDGs & Paris Agreement targets.
Bamboo Species & Uses (Examples)
- Bambusa balcooa: Agarbatti, pulp, handicrafts.
- Dendrocalamus strictus: Furniture, construction, musical instruments.
- Melocanna baccifera: Pulp, weaving, edible shoots.
- Dendrocalamus asper: Edible shoots, pulp, poles.
- Ochlandra travancorica: Mat weaving, ply, basketry.
Success Stories
- Madhya Pradesh (Vijay Patidar):
- Intercropping bamboo with chilli/ginger.
- Low input cost, pest resistance, manure from leaves.
- Earned ₹75,000 in 2 years from bamboo poles.
- Maharashtra (Gadchiroli Agarbatti Project):
- 1100+ beneficiaries, 90% women.
- Steady ₹5,000/month income, reduced migration.
- ₹10 crore wages disbursed; won PM’s Award.
- Assam (SBDA):
- 10 nurseries, 18 proposed FPOs.
- Artisans trained, exports enhanced.
- MoU with Cycle Pure Agarbatties for buy-back.
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Two-tier system: EC at National level, SLEC at State level.
- Third-party evaluation: Independent studies on socio-economic impact.
- MIS-based monitoring: Production, marketing, agarbatti sector tracking.
- Geo-tagging: Bhuvan Portal for infrastructure tracking.
Contribution to India’s Green Economy
- Reduces timber imports & promotes eco-friendly alternatives.
- Generates rural employment & women’s empowerment.
- Boosts export potential in furniture, handicrafts, textiles.
- Promotes waste-to-wealth via by-products & bioenergy.
- Strengthens Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in agro-industrial sector.
Conclusion
- NBM has shifted bamboo from a “poor man’s timber” to a strategic green commodity.
- With holistic value chain development, farmer–industry linkages, and policy support, bamboo is emerging as a pillar of India’s circular economy.
- Its dual role in sustainable livelihoods + climate action makes it a cornerstone of India’s green growth strategy.
Social Security Boost for India’s Gig Workers
Basics
- Gig Worker: Earns income outside traditional employer–employee setup.
- Platform Worker: Subset of gig workers; dependent on online platforms/apps (e.g., Uber, Swiggy, Zomato).
- Workforce Size:
- 2024–25: ~1 crore gig workers.
- 2029–30 (projection): 2.35 crore.
- Legislation: Code on Social Security (2020) – first law to legally recognise gig & platform workers.
- Database: e-Shram Portal (launched Aug 2021) – over 30.98 crore workers registered, incl. 3.37 lakh platform workers (as of Aug 2025).
- Top States in Registration: UP (8.39 cr), Bihar (3 cr), WB (2.64 cr).
- Female Participation: High – UP (4.41 cr), Bihar (1.72 cr), WB (1.44 cr).
Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues , Governance)
Significance of Gig Workforce for India
- Demographic Edge: Young labour force + rising digital penetration.
- Economic Contribution:
- Expanding opportunities in ridesharing, logistics, delivery, professional services.
- Low entry barriers → alternative livelihood for migrants, women, youth.
- Flexibility: Offers supplementary income and self-employment.
- Urbanisation & Digitalisation: Smartphones + UPI + digital platforms fueling growth.
Social Security Challenges
- Lack of traditional employer–employee benefits (PF, ESI, gratuity).
- Income volatility, lack of job security.
- High accident risks for delivery/ridesharing workers.
- Absence of maternity cover, health insurance, and retirement protection.
- Dependence on informal agreements with platforms; weak bargaining power.
Code on Social Security, 2020 – Key Features
- Consolidation: Merges 9 labour laws (e.g., EPF Act 1952, ESI Act 1948, Maternity Benefit Act 1961, etc.).
- Coverage Expanded: Includes organised, unorganised, self-employed, gig & platform workers.
- Social Security Schemes:
- Provident Fund, Pension.
- ESI: health, disability, accident cover.
- Gratuity, maternity benefit.
- Old-age protection, crèche, life cover.
- Provisions for Gig/Platform Workers:
- Recognised as a distinct category.
- Eligible for govt- & aggregator-funded schemes.
- Creation of Social Security Fund.
- National Social Security Board – to recommend welfare measures for gig workers.
Government Initiatives for Gig Workers
- e-Shram Portal (2021):
- Comprehensive database, UAN-based identity.
- Self-declaration model.
- Union Budget 2025–26:
- Mandatory registration of platform workers on e-Shram.
- Identity cards for workers.
- Healthcare coverage under AB-PMJAY (₹5 lakh/family/year) for platform workers (yet to be rolled out).
- Awareness Drives: Camps, outreach via State Labour Departments.
Role of e-Shram in Gig Worker Security
- Registration Gateway: Essential to access welfare schemes.
- Data-Driven Policy: Helps govt identify unorganised workforce clusters.
- Gender Inclusion: High female registration shows women’s reliance on gig/unorganised jobs.
- Inter-State Comparisons: Reveals migration patterns & concentration of vulnerable workers.
Expected Benefits of Social Security Extension
- Financial Safety Net: Life, accident, and health insurance reduce vulnerability.
- Healthcare Access: AB-PMJAY inclusion will provide institutional healthcare cover.
- Maternity Support: Improves female participation & reduces dropouts.
- Retirement & Old-Age Security: Pension & PF-like benefits possible under new schemes.
- Bargaining Power: Collective recognition boosts negotiating ability with platforms.
Policy & Implementation Challenges
- Compliance: Ensuring all platforms register workers and contribute.
- Awareness: Many gig workers unaware of entitlements.
- Portability: Gig jobs often cross states → benefits must be transferable.
- Platform Resistance: Aggregators may resist financial contributions.
- Data Accuracy: Self-declaration on e-Shram may inflate/under-report workers.
- Sustainability: Financing social security fund sustainably without burdening small platforms.
Comparative Global Perspective
- EU: Proposed directive (2022) to give gig workers employee rights (minimum wage, leave).
- California, USA (AB5 Law): Gig workers classified as employees for benefits (debated heavily).
- China: Platforms mandated to pay social insurance for delivery workers.
- India: Hybrid model – gig workers recognised as separate class, not employees, but extended benefits via schemes.
Way Forward
- Effective Rollout of AB-PMJAY for Gig Workers.
- Aggregator Contribution: Mandatory contributions from large platforms to Social Security Fund.
- Skill Development Integration: Upskilling gig workers for better opportunities.
- Digital Benefit Delivery: DBT-linked benefits tied to e-Shram UAN.
- Awareness Campaigns: Mass outreach to informal and rural gig workers.
- Tripartite Governance: Govt + platforms + worker unions for smooth execution.
Conclusion
- Gig and platform work is reshaping India’s labour market.
- Code on Social Security (2020) and e-Shram portal are landmark steps to recognise & protect gig workers.
- Success will depend on implementation, aggregator accountability, and awareness generation.
- With rising numbers (2.35 cr by 2030), integrating gig workers into formal social security systems is vital for inclusive growth and worker dignity.
