Maharashtra Mandates Police Checks for Delivery Gig Workers

The Maharashtra government's decision follows growing safety concerns, particularly for women, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. The move was prompted by discussions in the legislative assembly, where MLA Bhimrao Tapkir highlighted that companies like Zomato, Swiggy, and Amazon often hire delivery personnel through third-party agencies without proper police verification. This new mandate requires every gig worker to obtain a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) to be onboarded or continue working for these platforms. The government has instructed companies to immediately remove any delivery staff currently working without a verified background check and will hold the platforms accountable, regardless of whether the workers were hired directly or through contractors. The state is also considering making the delivery person's verification status and photo ID visible to customers within the app to enhance safety. This initiative is part of a broader "safety vs. speed" debate, scrutinizing the rapid "10-minute delivery" model that has created security blind spots in urban areas like Mumbai and Pune. The directive is being introduced alongside the Code on Social Security, 2020, which became effective in November 2025 and, for the first time, defines the legal status of gig and platform workers. This is a significant shift, as these individuals were previously considered "business partners," allowing platforms to avoid direct responsibility. Companies will likely be given a 30-to-60 day grace period to complete the verification for their existing fleet before strict penalties are enforced. This comes at a time when gig workers in Maharashtra have been threatening a nationwide strike over demands for better pay and improved working conditions, adding another layer of complexity for the quick commerce industry. The move is also a response to several reported criminal incidents involving delivery personnel. For example, a case in Pune where a man posing as a courier executive raped a woman in her apartment highlighted the potential dangers of unverified workers gaining access to residential buildings. This police verification mandate is part of a larger national push for a social security framework for the country's growing gig workforce, which is projected to exceed 2.35 crore by 2029-30. A national social security board is set to be established to oversee benefits like healthcare, insurance, and family welfare for these workers.