Why in news
- A national survey revealed that gig work has transitioned from supplementary earning to a primary, full-time source of livelihood for many workers in India.
- The report highlighted that workers face severe occupational safety issues, extended work hours, heat stress, and lack of statutory social protection.
Present Status of Gig Work in India
- Platform workers operate through digital aggregators across food delivery, ride-hailing, e-commerce logistics, and household services.
- NITI Aayog estimates India's gig workforce will grow to 2.35 crore workers by 2029-30, up from 77 lakh in 2020-21.
- A shift toward full-time reliance makes gig workers vulnerable to sudden algorithmic payout changes and fuel price surges.
Key Vulnerabilities Identified
- Absence of basic facility access like clean drinking water, rest stops, and sanitation at vendor locations.
- Exposure to extreme weather events without heat action plan protocols or climate disaster compensation.
- Exclusion from core labor benefits like paid medical leave, gratuity, and occupational injury compensation.
Statutory Social Security Framework
- The Code on Social Security, 2020 explicitly defines 'gig worker' and 'platform worker' for the first time in central law.
- It mandates the creation of a Social Security Fund financed through contributions from aggregators (1-2% of annual turnover, capped at 5% of amount paid to workers).
- State-level legislative initiatives, such as Rajasthan's Platform Based Gig Workers Act, establish dedicated welfare boards and transaction-based welfare fees.
Key terms
Gig Worker
A person who performs work or participates in a work arrangement and earns from such activities outside of a traditional employer-employee relationship.
Platform Worker
A worker whose access to work opportunities or clients is brokered through an online digital platform.
Prelims facts
- Code on Social Security 2020 mandates statutory definition and social security fund for platform workers.
Mains discussion
- Balancing flexible labor platforms with statutory social protection and occupational safety rights.
Source: The Hindu
Same topic · past papers
UPSC has asked this before
These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.
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2026 · Q64 · General Studies · 2 marks
Which of the following international conventions have NOT been ratified by India? 1. Employment Policy Convention 2. Abolition of Forced Labour Convention 3. International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families 4. Geneva Convention Relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War 5. Convention on Reduction of Statelessness Official key: . -
2022 · Q71 · General Studies · 2 marks
In India, which one of the following compiles information on industrial disputes, closures, retrenchments and lay-offs in factories employing workers? -
2021 · Q2 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements: 1. All casual workers are entitled for Employees Provident Fund coverage. 2. All casual workers are entitled for regular working hours and overtime payment. 3. The government can by a notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account. Which of the statements given above are correct? -
2019 · Q9 · GS III · 10 marks
The banning of 'Jammat-e-Islami' in Jammu and Kashmir brought into focus the role of over-ground workers (OGWs) in assisting terrorist organizations. Examine the role played by OGWs in assisting terrorist organizations in insurgency affected areas. Discuss measures to neutralize influence of OGWs. -
2019 · Q60 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: As per the Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Central (Amendment) Rules, 2018 1. if rules for fixed-term employment are implemented, it becomes easier for the firms/companies to lay off workers 2. no notice of termination of employment shall be necessary in the case of temporary workman Which of the statements given above is/are correct?