NEW DELHI — Highlighting the growing plight of millions of app-based workers across India, the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) on Saturday launched its ‘Gig Workers’ Nyay Campaign’, calling for a comprehensive national law to safeguard the rights, wages, and social security of platform workers employed by companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Ola, and Uber.
The campaign was formally launched at a conclave held at the AICC headquarters, Indira Bhawan, where gig workers from various delivery and ride-hailing platforms shared experiences of long working hours, low earnings, arbitrary account deactivations, and the absence of social security protections.
Addressing the gathering, IYC National President Uday Bhanu Chib said the rapid expansion of the gig economy has created a workforce of millions of young Indians who remain vulnerable due to the lack of a legal framework guaranteeing their rights.
“We will urge the government in Parliament to enact a national law for gig workers across the country, similar to legislation already introduced in Karnataka and Telangana,” Chib said.
“This conclave marks a strong beginning. As we expand to more cities, we will turn this into a nationwide movement and will not rest until a national law is enacted,” he added.
The conclave was attended by AICC Treasurer Ajay Maken, IYC National In-charge Manish Sharma, economist Prof. Santosh Malhotra, Delhi Youth Congress President Akshay Lakra, IYC National General Secretary Khushboo Sharma, and National Secretary Hevaran Kansana.
‘Freedom’ of Gig Work an Illusion
Chib argued that gig work, often portrayed as flexible employment, is far more precarious in reality.
“Severe unemployment has pushed millions of young people into platform-based work. On paper, it appears attractive—you can work when you want. But in reality, over 80 per cent of workers are compelled to work more than ten hours a day as this is their family’s only source of income,” he said.
Despite long hours, he noted, workers are denied fair wages, social security benefits, and long-term economic security.
“Caught between unemployment and exploitation, the lives of these workers are controlled by algorithms. Their earnings, working hours, and opportunities are dictated by opaque algorithmic decisions,” Chib said.
He added that the IYC conducted consultations with more than 40,000 platform workers across over 20 cities to understand sectoral challenges.
“The findings are alarming and demand urgent policy intervention,” he said.
No Safety Net, No Transparency
Chib said one of the most pressing concerns is the absence of protection during accidents or emergencies.
“When a delivery worker meets with an accident, all they receive is a routine ‘take care’ message. The financial burden is entirely theirs,” he remarked.
He also alleged that platform companies frequently reduce payments or deactivate worker accounts without explanation or any grievance redressal mechanism.
“There is no transparency when payments are cut. Workers often wake up to find their accounts suspended without warning, with no opportunity to appeal,” he said.
Calling gig workers the “invisible backbone” of urban life, Chib said they keep cities running by delivering food and groceries, transporting passengers, and ensuring services in all weather conditions.
“Despite working through heat, rain, and cold, their dignity and security remain neglected,” he added.
Demand for a National Framework
While acknowledging legislative steps taken in Telangana and Karnataka, Chib argued that state-level efforts are insufficient.
“Gig work does not stop at state borders. Companies operate nationwide, and varying state laws will create confusion and inequality,” he said.
Citing NITI Aayog estimates, he said India currently has over seven million gig workers, a number expected to rise to 25 million by the end of the decade.
“With such rapid growth, a strong and comprehensive national legal framework has become essential,” he said.
Key Demands
Presenting the campaign’s charter of demands, Chib urged the Union government to recognise gig workers as employees and extend labour protections to them.
The demands include:
- Granting formal employee status to gig workers
- Universal social security coverage
- Fair and transparent remuneration
- An end to arbitrary account suspensions
- Health and accident insurance
- Pension and retirement benefits
- Transparency in algorithm-based decision-making
“These workers are not seeking app ratings—they are demanding their fundamental rights,” Chib said.
“Algorithmic exploitation must end. India needs a national law that guarantees dignity, security, and justice for every gig worker.”
The Youth Congress said it will expand the campaign to more cities in the coming months to build nationwide pressure for legislative action, arguing that the future of millions in India’s gig economy depends on legal recognition and protection.
