Maharashtra Plans Regulatory Framework For Delivery Platforms, Focus On Worker Background Checks

In a significant move aimed at strengthening consumer safety in Maharashtra’s rapidly expanding gig economy, state Labour Minister Akash Fundkar has directed officials to implement stricter verification norms for workers engaged in online platforms and delivery services. The directive came during a joint meeting of the Labour and Home Departments held at Mantralaya in Mumbai, where concerns around the current hiring and verification practices of gig workers were discussed in detail. With the growing dependence on home delivery services, the state government is now looking to ensure that customers receive services that are not only efficient but also secure and legally compliant.

Companies such as Zomato, Swiggy and Blinkit, which rely heavily

on gig workers for last-mile delivery, currently follow an online, largely faceless onboarding process. This is often followed by third-party verification, raising questions about accountability and the legal validity of such background checks. Officials acknowledged that there is a lack of clarity on who authorises these agencies and under what framework they operate.

Fundkar emphasised that companies onboarding gig workers as ‘partners’ must take full responsibility for conducting thorough background checks. This includes verifying driving licences, vehicle registrations, payment mechanisms and employment conditions. He called for a coordinated effort between departments to develop a comprehensive framework that leaves no room for ambiguity.

One of the key proposals discussed during the meeting was the mandatory registration of gig workers with the cyber department. The state is also considering making it compulsory for workers to carry QR code-based identification cards, which must be produced upon request by customers. This move is expected to bring greater transparency and traceability to gig services. Officials also highlighted the need for a uniform regulatory system governing gig worker recruitment, which is currently handled through third-party agencies, often blurring the employer-employee relationship. The proposed framework includes a state-level registration system, licensing norms for aggregator companies, digital identity creation, and implementation of social security measures such as accident insurance.

Additionally, companies may be required to conduct regular audits of their workforce and submit quarterly reports to law enforcement agencies if any suspicious activity is detected. Safety measures for women passengers, including the option to choose female drivers on platforms like Ola and Uber, were also discussed. With Maharashtra’s digital services ecosystem growing rapidly, the government’s message is clear—consumer safety will remain at the centre of this transformation.