Empirical Economics Letters, 24 (Special Issue 3): (April 2025) ISSN 1681 8997 https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15567872 Statistical Maneuver or Social Security? Evaluating the Government’s Insurance Initiative for Workers Deepa Susheel * PG Department of Commerce, Kristu Jayanti College Autonomous, Bangalore Reshma Roy Department of Commerce, Jesus & Mary College, Delhi University, India Syama U S Department of Economics, Kristu Jayanti College Autonomous Jean Maria George Department of Economics, Christ College Irinjalakuda, Thrissur Jobi Babu School of Social work, Marian College Kuttikkanam Autonomous, Kerala Abstract: This study examines the financial outcomes of online platform workers of Zomato, Swiggy Instamart & Uber in the North of Bangalore, comparing the effectiveness of government-funded and employer-sponsored health insurance programs on their healthcare savings. Results indicate that the Government insurance scheme announced in the Indian Union Budget 2025 for the online platform workers yield greater financial benefits for workers, whereas company- sponsored insurance coverage often falls short due to their restrictive terms for workers and their family. Despite these advantages, numerous obstacles impede worker's registration on the E-shram portal and subsequent access to government insurance, stemming from factors such as insufficient awareness and digital literacy, inconsistent eligibility criteria, inadequate platform facilitator support, and a lack of strategic planning by the government. Ultimately, our findings underscore the need for policymakers to adopt a more nuanced approach to supporting the economy, one that balances economic development with social welfare concerns. This paper has not made any recommendations to the government but has rather aimed at highlighting the challenges that hinder the government's initiative from achieving its full potential. Keywords: PMJAY - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, Online Platform Workers, Workers, e-Shram Portal, NITI Ayog JEL Classification Number: J46, J36, J32, J38, I13, I18, O17 1. Introduction The Indian Union Budget 2025 generated widespread enthusiasm, largely due to its tax reforms that provide significant personal income tax benefits to middle -class households. * Corresponding author. II Semester MCom student. Email: 24mcom13@kristujayanti.com