Guwahati Taxi Drivers Demand Health Insurance from Aggregator Companies

Guwahati, Assam – In a growing outcry, cab and bike taxi drivers operating under various online aggregator platforms in Guwahati are voicing their concerns regarding the failure of these companies to implement mandatory health and term insurance provisions. Introduced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on July 1, 2025, the new guidelines require aggregator companies to provide health insurance coverage of at least ₹5 lakh and term insurance of no less than ₹10 lakh for each driver registered on their platforms. However, drivers assert that similar provisions outlined in the 2020 guidelines have yet to see enforcement, raising significant concerns about their welfare and safety.

According to Jyotish Deka, a cab driver with over five years of experience, "Guidelines in favor of drivers are often neglected. The government appears to prioritize the interests of aggregator companies over the welfare of drivers." Pankaj Bharali, another driver working with aggregator apps, highlighted the precarious nature of their work, stating, "We are not provided with any kind of insurance, even though we are always at risk of accidents. It feels like we are only making these companies rich, while at the end of the day, there is barely enough left for our expenses."

The Assam State Driver Union (ASDU) has echoed these sentiments. Dhrubajyoti Debnath, president of ASDU, criticized the lack of implementation, stating, "Many of this year's guidelines mirror those from previous years that have yet to be enforced. We demand that the state government ensure proper implementation of all guidelines, particularly those concerning driver insurance."

Despite these complaints, aggregator companies have remained largely silent on the issue, with a spokesperson for one of the platforms declining to comment on the mandatory insurance provisions. Efforts to obtain responses from other companies have also been met with silence.

The situation raises critical questions about the responsibilities of aggregator companies towards their drivers, especially in light of recent trends in gig economy labor practices. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, a Professor of Labor Economics at Harvard University, "The gig economy has historically struggled with issues of worker protections and benefits. Without proper enforcement of safety regulations and insurance provisions, we risk exacerbating inequalities faced by gig workers."

The economic implications of these insurance provisions are significant. A 2023 report by the International Labor Organization indicates that gig workers are often left without essential benefits, which can lead to higher rates of poverty and financial insecurity among this labor segment. Such findings underscore the necessity for accountability among aggregator companies to ensure fair treatment of their drivers.

As the drivers of Guwahati continue to advocate for their rights, the next steps remain uncertain. The lack of response from aggregator companies and governmental bodies may hinder progress towards securing the mandated protections. Observers suggest that proactive measures must be taken to ensure compliance with the guidelines to protect the welfare of drivers in the rapidly expanding gig economy.

In conclusion, while the government has set forth guidelines to improve the safety and financial security of taxi drivers, the failure to implement these provisions reflects a broader issue within the gig economy—one that requires urgent attention from policymakers and industry leaders alike. Ensuring that drivers receive the insurance benefits they are entitled to is not only a matter of legal compliance but also a crucial step towards acknowledging the dignity and rights of gig workers across the country.