What is the Gig Economy:
The gig workers’ meeting on “Current Developments, Challenges, and the Way Forward,” organized by the Gig Workers Association, highlighted critical issues within India’s gig economy and recommended the establishment of minimum wages, social security, and legal protections for gig and platform workers.
- It also called for the establishment of tripartite welfare boards at both state and national levels, including representatives of workers, employers, and the government.
- The new Labour Codes of 2019 defines a gig worker as “A person who performs work or participates in a work arrangement and earns from such activities outside of traditional employer-employee relationship”.
- It is a labor market of short-term, flexible jobs often enabled by digital platforms.
- Workers, as freelancers or independent contractors, are paid per task rather than through full-time contracts. Common activities include freelance services, food delivery, and digital work.
- A NITI Aayog report estimates 7.7 million gig workers in India in 2020–21, projected to reach 23.5 million by 2029–30, mostly in medium-skilled jobs.
- The gig economy provides flexible work that helps balance personal and professional life, especially benefiting women, while enhancing skills and earning potential.
