Gig workers seek minimum wages, social security

Syllabus :GS3/Economy 

In News

The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU)urged the State government to ensure minimum wages, legal recognition, and comprehensive welfare schemes, for gig and platform workers.

Who are gig workers?

• The World Economic Forum defines the gig economy as short-term, task-based work facilitated by digital platforms connecting workers with customers.
•  In India, gig workers are considered “self-employed,” with increasing female participation. 
• Gig work includes web-based tasks like content writing and software development, and location-based services like driving and food delivery through platforms such as Ola and Zomato. 
• Gig workers are paid per task, enjoying flexible work outside the traditional 9-to-5 model.

Related Steps 

• The 2025 Union Budget introduced steps to formally recognise gig and platform workers and extended social protection schemes to them. 
• The Code on Social Security, 2020, legally defined gig and platform workers as those engaged in non-traditional employer-employee arrangements.
• Recent initiatives like e-Shram registration, digital ID cards, and health coverage under Ayushman Bharat show the government’s recognition of gig workers.

Challenges 

• The revised Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2025 has not made significant changes to accurately reflect the diverse nature of gig and platform work.
• Despite projections estimating the gig workforce to reach 23.5 million by 2029-30, India’s main labour survey still categorizes gig workers under broad groups like ‘self-employed’ or ‘casual labour,’ leading to their statistical invisibility.
• This lack of clear classification hampers effective policy-making and equitable access to social security schemes established under the Code, such as the Social Security Fund and National Social Security Board, which depend on accurate data for inclusive welfare planning.

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• The 2025 PLFS revision improved sample size and rural coverage; it still does not clearly define or capture gig work.
•  To ensure inclusive policymaking, India can revise PLFS classifications or add specific modules for gig workers.
• Governments and platforms must collaborate to define clear legal protections and offer tailored social security like health and pension plans.
  • Platforms should ensure transparency, fair pay, and good working conditions. 

Source :TH