In the rapidly expanding gig economy of India, gig workers often endure grueling shifts that can exceed 10 hours a day, while contending with low, unpredictable incomes and the pressure of meeting unrealistic performance targets. However, things might change for the better for this workforce, which is estimated to be 65 lakh strong.
At a recent session held by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), stakeholders from the sector recommended a slew of measures including the need for targeted regulatory frameworks, setting up rest points, and the creation of grievance redressal mechanisms, particularly for women workers.
These recommendations which come amidst Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announcement in October to put in place a framework for social security of gig workers, including health insurance and pension were presented as part of the meet addressing the challenges faced by gig workers.
The issue holds importance given that India’s top think tank panel Niti Aayog has estimated 65 lakh gig and platform workers in the country, but the number is likely to be over two crore as the segment is growing rapidly. Gig workers, also known as independent contractors, are individuals who undertake temporary or short-term work assignments, primarily within the service sector. They operate independently and are not regarded as employees of the organizations. Hence, they do not typically have access to common employee benefits that full-time staff members receive.
However, irregular incomes, unexpected expenses, and limited access to credit have often left them at the receiving end. Taking serious note of their precarious condition, NHRC’s acting chairperson, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani said that there is a “need for targeted efforts” through regulatory frameworks to address gig worker’s challenges, including long working hours, financial strain, and physical exhaustion.
She noted that over 83 per cent of app-based drivers work more than 10 hours daily. This puts them under the physical and mental strain added by policies like ‘10-minute deliveries’ and unrealistic targets which also result in “avoidable accidents”.
NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal echoed similar views stating that it is crucial to check the implementation of laws such as the Social Security Code 2020 and the various other labour laws in India to ensure Gig Workers welfare.
He also noted that some states like Karnataka, Rajasthan and Jharkhand are focusing on providing social security to gig workers but more needs to be done to address their other major concerns relating to health insurance, minimum wages, stress-free working conditions protecting their dignity.
Other key suggestions from the session included expanding the e-Shram portal to support gig workers, offering maternity benefits, crèche facilities, and rest points for women, and building financial literacy to promote transparency. Additionally, the participants called for welfare schemes that provide health benefits, accident insurance, old-age protection, and unemployment safeguards.
The need for a grievance redressal mechanism for women gig workers, awareness of POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) policies, and enforcing minimum wage and income transparency were also emphasized. Furthermore, the discussion raised concerns about the arbitrary gig worker rating system, which lacks a platform for workers to voice their concerns.
At the same time, it was felt that there should be measures ensuring minimum wage enforcement and income transparency in all sectors engaging gig workers by the aggregators to bridge gender disparities.
The session also saw discussion on threats posed by the climate change induced heat stroke and floods which are becoming a norm. In this connection, the experts batted for developing schemes addressing the risks posed by global warming to ensure workers’ safety during extreme weather conditions by the employing companies.
If these measures are implemented in toto, gig workers can look forward to a brighter future, feel experts. A recent survey by Borzo (formerly WeFast a global same-day delivery company, from around 2,000 gig workers from Tier I and II cities, like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru has revealed that approximately 78% of gig delivery workers employed with food delivery apps like Swiggy, Zomato, and platforms like Amazon earn less than Rs 2.50 lakh per annum. Thus, highlighting the pressing need for reform and improved welfare for this growing workforce.
The NHRC session was attended by various gig employing companies like Big Basket, Urban Company, Zypp Electric and Ola Electric besides representatives from NITI Aayog, Labour Department of Karnataka and Rajasthan Governments, National Labour Cooperative Federation of India Ltd among others.
