Taking exception that over 83% of app-based gig workers work more than 10 hours daily, enduring physical and mental strain due to policies like ’10-minute deliveries’ and unrealistic targets, experts have proposed several measures to improve worker welfare. These include targeted regulations, the establishment of rest points, and the creation of a grievance redressal mechanism, particularly for women.
These recommendations were presented during an open house discussion on the rights of gig workers, organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) as part of a session addressing the challenges faced by gig workers. The suggestions come amidst Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announcement in October to put in place a framework for social security of gig workers, including health insurance and pension. Niti Aayog has estimated 65 lakh gig and platform workers in the country, but the number is likely to be over two crore as the segment is growing rapidly.
Suggesting that the segment cannot be ignored, NHRC’s Acting Chairperson, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, in her In keynote address at the session emphasised the “need for targeted efforts” through regulatory frameworks to tackle issues such as long working hours, financial strain, and physical exhaustion.
Women, in particular, face additional challenges, including safety risks, erratic schedules, and physical demands, which discourage their participation and raise concerns about their well-being, the NHRC stated.
Among the suggestions from the discussion were the expansion of the e-Shram portal as a useful tool for gig workers, providing maternity benefits, crèche facilities, and rest points for women through public-private partnerships, and promoting “financial literacy” to ensure transparency while offering opportunities for skill development through vocational training programs.
Other recommendations included ensuring all companies employing gig workers offer comprehensive welfare schemes, such as health benefits, accident insurance, old-age protection, and unemployment safeguards. The creation of a grievance redressal mechanism for women workers, awareness around POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) policies, and the enforcement of minimum wage standards and income transparency to bridge gender pay gaps were also highlighted.
Additionally, the development of schemes to mitigate risks posed by climate change and ensure worker safety during extreme weather events was proposed. There was also a suggestion to review the gig worker rating system, which is currently “arbitrary” and lacks a forum for workers to voice their concerns.
NHRC’s Secretary General, Bharat Lal, stressed the importance of implementing laws such as the Social Security Code 2020 and other labor laws to ensure the welfare of gig workers. He noted that while states like Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand are making efforts to provide social security for gig workers, more needs to be done to address their “other major concerns,” such as health insurance, minimum wages, stress-free working conditions, and dignity.
