Call Us Now

+91 9606900005 / 04

For Enquiry

legacyiasacademy@gmail.com

PIB Summaries 30 August 2025

  1. National Bamboo Mission
  2. Social Security Boost for India’s Gig Workers


Basics

  • Launched: 2006–07 as a CSS; restructured in 2018 under CCEA.
  • Scheme Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS).
  • Coverage: Implemented in 24 States/UTs.
  • Indias 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 & womens 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 Indias circular economy.
  • Its dual role in sustainable livelihoods + climate action makes it a cornerstone of India’s green growth strategy.


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

  1. Consolidation: Merges 9 labour laws (e.g., EPF Act 1952, ESI Act 1948, Maternity Benefit Act 1961, etc.).
  2. Coverage Expanded: Includes organised, unorganised, self-employed, gig & platform workers.
  3. Social Security Schemes:
    1. Provident Fund, Pension.
    1. ESI: health, disability, accident cover.
    1. Gratuity, maternity benefit.
    1. Old-age protection, crèche, life cover.
  4. Provisions for Gig/Platform Workers:
    1. Recognised as a distinct category.
    1. Eligible for govt- & aggregator-funded schemes.
    1. Creation of Social Security Fund.
    1. 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 Indias 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.

 

 

 

September 2025
M T W T F S S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930  
Categories