The gig economy in India has expanded at an unprecedented pace, driven by the rapid growth of digital platforms and consumer demand for on-demand services. According to a NITI Aayog report, there were 7.7 million gig workers in India in 2020–21, and this figure is projected to surge to 23.5 million by 2029–30. Gig work, often celebrated for its flexibility, hides a grim reality – the absence of job security, social security benefits and legal protections. The Plight of Gig Workers in India - The Wire
Unlike regular employees, gig workers are classified as “independent contractors”, making them ineligible for essential rights such as minimum wage, paid leave, accident compensation and health benefits. Their dependence on algorithmic ratings and customer reviews means that their employment is perpetually unstable.
Films like Ken Loach’s Sorry We Missed You powerfully capture this reality. The film’s protagonist, Ricky Turner, a delivery driver, struggles with mounting debt and emotional strain due to the exploitative conditions of gig work. His story mirrors that of thousands of gig workers in India, who endure long hours, fluctuating earnings, and the constant fear of deactivation – the industry’s euphemism for termination.
A notable exception is the Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers Act, 2023 – India’s first state-level legislation specifically addressing gig worker rights. It mandates platform registration, data-sharing obligations and the establishment of a welfare board. However, the absence of national-level legislation means that gig workers in other states remain vulnerable to exploitation.
by Naina Bhargava and Madhumita Sharma
01/05/2025