1: Background - Gig Workers in the Indian Scenario

- Gig Workers: They work on a temporary, flexible basis, often for multiple employers performing different jobs or services. They are typically independent contractors rather than traditional employees and have more control over when and where they work.

- Gig Economy: It refers to a market system in which temporary positions are common and organisations recruit independent workers for short-term jobs.

2: The Current State - What the Recent Study Revealed?

- Extensive Working Hours: Around 33% of app-based cab drivers work for more than 14 hours a day, with over 83% working more than 10 hours. Over 60% of drivers from SC and ST work over 14 hours daily.

- Low Wages: More than 43% of gig workers earn less than Rs 500 daily or Rs 15,000 monthly after deducting all costs. Additionally, 34% of delivery workers earn less than Rs 10,000 a month. These income disparities contribute to existing social inequalities.

- Financial Hardships: A whopping 72% of cab drivers and 76% of delivery persons face obstacles managing expenses.

- Work Conditions: Demanding work hours leading to physical exhaustion and increase in the risk of accident, customer misbehaviour, and issues such as ID deactivation are notable problems.

3: Social Safety Net for Gig Workers - Why is it Essential?

- Providing social security to gig workers is crucial due to economic security, the flexibility of the sector resulting in job security and income uncertainty. It can lead to a healthier and more productive workforce, ensure equity in opportunities and secure long-term financial security.

4: The Roadblocks in Providing Social Security Benefits to Gig Workers

- Challenges include blurred boundaries between self-employment and dependent employment, determining company obligations, appropriate funding mechanisms, efficient data sharing, and coordination among gig platforms, as well as educating gig workers about their rights.

5: Possible Solutions for Ensuring Social Security for Gig Workers

- The Code on Social Security, 2020, provides for gig workers, and the rules are yet to be framed. Drawing lessons from international practices, expanding employer responsibilities and eliminating the practice of classifying gig workers as self-employed are some possible solutions.

6: Government Initiatives for Gig Workers

- The Code on Social Security, 2020, requires gig employers to contribute to a Social Security Fund overseen by a government-led board.

- The Code on Wages, 2019, provides for universal minimum wage and floor wage across organised and unorganised sectors, inclusive of gig workers.

7: Conclusion - The Long Road Ahead

- Though certain steps have been taken to ensure the well-being of gig workers, the concerns are deep-rooted and call for comprehensive reforms and stricter enforcement of existing laws.