New Delhi, February 1, 2025 — In a significant push toward creating a more inclusive and equitable society, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled key measures in the Union Budget 2025 aimed at uplifting marginalized communities, with particular focus on gig workers and the education sector.
Comprehensive Social Security for Gig Workers
Recognizing the growing role of gig workers in India’s modern economy, the government announced a comprehensive social security scheme designed to address the unique challenges faced by this segment. Sitharaman revealed a series of initiatives that aim to provide gig workers with access to welfare benefits, healthcare, and financial security.
Key measures under this scheme include:
• Identity Cards and e-Shram Registration: Gig workers will be issued identity cards and registered on the government’s e-Shram portal, streamlining their access to various welfare programs.
• Healthcare Benefits: Registered gig workers will be eligible for healthcare coverage under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), which offers health insurance of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care.
These measures are expected to benefit approximately 10 million gig workers across the country. To enhance the scheme’s implementation, the government will adopt a public-private partnership (PPP) model, encouraging state participation through support from the India Infrastructure Project Development Fund (IIPDF).
Strengthening India’s Education Sector
With a long-term vision of fostering educational equity and improving access to quality learning, the Union Budget 2025 also outlines transformative measures aimed at bridging the gap between government and private educational institutions.
Key initiatives announced include:
• Broadband Connectivity: All government secondary schools across the country will be equipped with broadband internet, ensuring students in rural and underserved areas have access to digital learning resources at par with private institutions.
• Atal Tinkering Labs: The government plans to establish 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs to promote curiosity, creativity, and scientific temper among students, encouraging hands-on learning and innovation.
• Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme: To make learning more inclusive, the government will introduce textbooks and educational materials in native languages, enhancing comprehension and accessibility for students across different regions.
• Expansion of IIT Infrastructure: In a bid to accommodate more students and boost research and innovation, the government will expand infrastructure in five Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) established after 2014. This expansion will create room for an additional 6,500 students. IIT Patna, in particular, will benefit from expanded hostel and campus facilities.
These announcements reflect the government’s commitment to addressing immediate social needs while laying the groundwork for India’s long-term development. With a balanced focus on gig workers and education, the budget sets the stage for an inclusive, empowered, and digitally connected India.
