NEW DELHI: Enhanced Safety with SOS Integration and Gender Preferences
Uber recently rolled out several new features tailored for its driver partners in India. Aiming to prioritize driver safety and convenience, the app now includes an SOS button, facilitating direct calls to emergency services in urgent situations. Uber has also introduced a “helmet selfie” feature for two-wheeler drivers, ensuring compliance with helmet usage for enhanced rider safety. Furthermore, women drivers on the platform can opt to be matched exclusively with female riders, offering an added layer of comfort and security for female driver-partners.
These new features reflect Uber’s ongoing commitment to making the driver experience “safer, easier, and fairer.” With the SOS function and gender preference matching, Uber seeks to address specific safety concerns raised by its diverse workforce and ensure a trusted environment for all driver-partners.
Incentives to Drive e-Shram Registration
In line with the Code on Social Security (CoSS) 2020, which aims to extend social security to gig and platform workers, Uber has partnered with the government’s e-Shram portal to promote driver registration. This platform serves as a national database for unorganized and gig workers, offering access to welfare schemes. As an incentive, Uber has announced cash rewards for the first 10,000 drivers who register on the e-Shram portal. This initiative is part of the company’s larger commitment to support gig workers in obtaining benefits like health and accident insurance, aligning with the government’s goal of creating a comprehensive support system for India’s informal workforce.
Government Push for Gig Worker Welfare
The Indian government has intensified its efforts to formalize social protections for gig and platform workers, recognizing their increasing contribution to the economy. The e-Shram portal, which already has over 29.6 crore registered workers, is designed to serve as a one-stop solution to help these workers access social welfare benefits. In September 2024, Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized the importance of this portal and urged platform companies to onboard their workers for a secure future. This portal integrates with other government programs, including the National Career Service (NCS), Skill India, and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, ensuring that gig workers have access to holistic support.
Looking Forward
Uber’s proactive approach, coupled with the government’s initiatives, is expected to help millions of gig workers navigate social security options. As Uber drivers increasingly benefit from both platform-specific safety measures and government welfare schemes, the partnership between Uber and the Indian government sets a new standard in supporting the gig economy in India.
Web Team, C6N
