19 March 2025 : The Hindu Editorial Analysis

1. The dystopian side of Insta-commerce

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Topic: GS2 – Social Justice, GS3 – Indian Economy

Context

The gig economy creates insecure low-wage jobs where digital platforms control work while workers lack rights, social security and fair wages.

Daily Struggles of Urban Labourers

• In many urban centers, workers gather in the morning, waiting for employers or contractors (thekedaars) to offer them jobs.
• These workers, desperate for employment, often accept low wages as they are part of a vast unemployed workforce.
• Labourers in these markets experience a daily auction where the lowest wage wins, forcing them into financial insecurity.

Gig Economy: A Virtual Labour Market

• Digital platforms have replicated the role of middlemen by offering jobs through apps, eliminating direct human interaction.
• Gig work operates on a piece-rate model, where workers take up tasks without job security or fair wages.
• These platforms disguise their exploitation as “freedom of choice,” but in reality, workers have little bargaining power.
• Instead of physically gathering at a labour market, workers now check their phones for job opportunities, often settling for poor wages.

What is a Gig Worker?

A gig worker is someone who takes up short-term or freelance jobs instead of a permanent job. They work on a task-by-task basis, often through digital platforms like ride-sharing, food delivery, or home services. Gig workers lack job security, fixed wages, and benefits like health insurance or paid leave. Their income depends on demand, and they often face uncertain working conditions without legal or social protection.

Exploitation Through Ratings and Low Wages

• • The digital system isolates workers, preventing collective bargaining for better wages and conditions.
  • Workers must accept tasks under the app’s terms, with no negotiation or protection against arbitrary job loss.

• Customers see gig workers only briefly but fail to recognize their struggles, long hours, and harsh working conditions.

• Ratings have replaced fair wages, as workers must seek high ratings to maintain employment rather than demanding rights.

New Forms of Gig Exploitation: Insta Maids

• A recent service offers domestic workers for as low as ₹49 an hour, further devaluing their labour.
• This model continues to exploit desperate workers who need immediate employment but are not given dignity or fair pay.
• Workers have started protesting against this exploitation, demanding rights instead of ratings and recognition of their humanity.

Challenges in Passing Protective Laws

• In some states, workers successfully pushed for legislation to ensure:
  • A social security framework.
  • Access to their work data.
  • A grievance redress system.
  • A tripartite board for discussion.
• However, political decisions have delayed these laws, leaving workers unprotected.
• Industry groups and business associations have opposed these protections, arguing that gig workers are “partners” rather than employees.

Corporate Hypocrisy and the Need for Change

• • Business leaders publicly promote worker welfare but privately oppose legal protections.
  • The promise of “financial security and dignity” is contradicted by their lobbying efforts to prevent fair wages and job security.

• Without legal protections, gig workers continue to face a modern form of exploitation.

• Bringing an end to unfair platform-based gig work is essential for ensuring justice for millions of workers. 

Conclusion 

• The gig economy must evolve beyond digital convenience to ensure fair wages and dignity.
• Ethical algorithms, worker protections, and legal safeguards can transform platform-based jobs into sustainable livelihoods rather than modern exploitation.

PYQ: Examine the role of ‘Gig Economy’ in the process of empowerment of women in India. (150 words) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2021)

Practice Question:  Discuss the challenges faced by gig workers in India and evaluate the need for legislative reforms to ensure fair wages, job security, and social protection. (150 Words /10 marks)

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