Content

1. National Bamboo Mission
2. 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

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 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.