Hyderabad: The VV Giri National Labour Institute has called for equal pay, regulated working hours, and social security coverage for all gig and platform workers, irrespective of employer or sector. The recommendations are part of a newly released study titled “Vision 2047”, which assesses the long-term trajectory of the gig economy in India.
The report pushes for a statutory minimum guaranteed wage for gig workers, to be periodically revised in line with inflation and the cost of living. It also asks the central and state governments to take coordinated action to address the sector’s systemic gaps, including a lack of formal employment protections and access to welfare schemes.
Women face specific challenges in the gig economy, the report notes. Many are subject to pay discrimination and work without maternity leave or legal protections against workplace harassment. It calls for legal safeguards comparable to those available to regular employees.
Employment in the gig sector is expected to rise sharply by 2030, with projections suggesting India may house the world’s largest gig workforce by 2047.
Currently, 82.5% of gig workers operate in unorganised settings. What began with delivery and transportation roles has expanded to include healthcare, education, and other services. While many companies actively recruit women into gig roles, earnings remain lower for women compared to men. Youth and women in particular receive fewer employment incentives than traditional jobholders.
The report identifies job insecurity as the biggest structural challenge in the sector. Workers face erratic employment patterns, with no long-term job guarantees or legal recognition of labour rights. Financial insecurity is compounded by the absence of health insurance, social security, or retirement benefits.
Participants in the sector range from those with basic schooling to individuals with higher education. A majority are between 18 and 45 years old, with most operating in urban areas.
The report recommends a cap on working hours, noting that 60% of gig workers reportedly work all seven days of the week and often exceed 12 hours per day, leading to chronic health issues. It urges the inclusion of gig workers in social welfare schemes and insurance policies.
Platform companies, according to the report, should incentivise both workers and regulators. Financial literacy programmes should be introduced to encourage savings and long-term planning among workers. Employers must provide workers with transaction records and payment histories. It also calls for the establishment of dedicated grievance redressal mechanisms.
Mandatory implementation of accident and health insurance schemes, along with access to mental health counselling for distressed workers, is also advised.
