09 May 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis
1. Call Workers By Their Name
(Source: Page 12, The Indian Express)
| Topic: GS2: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections, GS3: Indian Economy – Informal Sector & Labour Reforms |
| Context |
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Background
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India’s gig economy now employs over 7.7 million workers, with projections of exponential growth. However, these workers are often excluded from formal labour protections like health insurance, fixed contracts, or grievance redressal mechanisms, leaving them exposed to economic insecurity and exploitation.
Gig Economy and Labour Precarity:
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Workers in delivery services, ride-hailing, and other app-based jobs face inconsistent wages, lack of benefits, and high occupational risks.
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Blinkit’s strike underscored grievances over decreased per-delivery pay and lack of transparency.
Systemic Gaps in Labour Law
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Indian labour codes do not yet clearly define gig/platform workers’ rights.
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Social protection measures (like ESIC, PF) are unavailable to most gig workers.
Policy Solutions
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Government should mandate minimum protections like wage floors, insurance, grievance redressal.
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Expand the scope of Code on Social Security, 2020, to fully include gig and platform workers.
- Encourage states and platforms to co-create accountability frameworks.
| Practice Question: Gig and platform workers form a vital part of India’s service economy but remain largely unprotected. Discuss the challenges they face and suggest policy interventions to ensure their social security. (GS3 – 15 Marks – 250 Words) |
Read more – 8 May 2025 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis
