The Rise of Gig and Platform Workers in India: An Approach towards Formalizing the Informal Workforce

The world of work is changing rapidly with the growth of the gig and platform economy. This is particularly true in India where the number of gig and platform workers has been on the rise over the past few years. This paper provides an overview of unorganised workers in India, the meaning and scope of gig and platform workers, the constitutional position of gig and platform workers, and the rise of unorganised workers in India. The paper begins by examining the conditions of gig and platform workers in India. The paper then moves on to define gig and platform workers and their scope of work, highlighting the differences between the two. The constitutional position of gig and platform workers is then analyzed, with a focus on the legal framework that governs their working conditions. The paper also highlights the role of International Labour Organisation in promoting the decent working environment to these workers. The paper also highlights the impact of covid-19 on gig economy in India. The paper highlights the various challenges faced by gig and platform workers, including the lack of social security, health benefits, and the absence of formal job contracts. The paper concludes by discussing the rise of unorganised workers in India, which has been driven by the growth of the gig and platform economy. It highlights the need for policy interventions to address the challenges faced by gig and platform workers, and to ensure that they receive fair wages and working conditions. Overall, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of the gig and platform economy in India, and the challenges that lie ahead for this growing sector of the workforce.