Strike by app-based workers in Hyderabad highlights ongoing battle for better work rights

The working conditions and social security rights of app-based platform workers were in the public spotlight once again recently, after hundreds of Hyderabad-based delivery workers engaged by the e-commerce platform Zepto held a lengthy strike in protest over alleged problems such as unsafe working conditions, drastically reduced pay rates and a lack of employment redressal procedures.      

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 14 July 2025

Karnataka passes law granting employment and social security rights to app-based gig workers

App-based gig workers in Karnataka state will shortly gain new employment rights and access to certain social security benefits after the state governor formally gave assent to an ordinance, or law, aimed at ensuring the welfare of platform-based workers.

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 11 June 2025

India’s social security coverage doubles to almost 50 per cent, says ILO

The proportion of India’s population covered under some form of cash paying social security protection has almost doubled in just three years, according to a new International Labour Organization (ILO) report.

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 08 April 2025

Government announces long-awaited social security and health insurance measures for India’s gig workers

The Union Government’s announcement that almost 10 million gig workers in India are to be immediately granted basic health insurance and allowed to register online to access social security benefits has been heralded as a “game changer” in extending employment and social security rights to workers in the unorganised sector.

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 10 March 2025

India’s female gig workers: digital strike opens new battleground for better conditions

India’s female gig workers recently withheld their labour on Diwali day in protest over poor working conditions and rights, and commentators say the success of their organisation via digital channels means a powerful new tool is emerging in the battle for marginalised workers to get their voices heard publicly.

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 09 December 2024

Register platform workers on the e-Sharm portal for social security benefits, government urges aggregators

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 07 October 2024

Karnataka gig workers bill does not offer adequate employment rights, say unions

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 02 August 2024

Rajasthan and Karnataka become first states to offer gig workers social security and insurance benefits

Following recommendations from Rahul Gadhi, the Congress-ruled states of Rajasthan and Karnataka have begun introducing laws that will make platform-based gig workers eligible for certain social security benefits.

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 07 August 2023

Social security benefits for gig workers: Rajasthan promises action

Rajasthan’s government has announced a proposed levy on customers’ bookings on app platforms to fund social security schemes for gig workers – and commentators say it’s time the central government adopted a similar scheme nationwide.

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 06 July 2023

A tough gig

Although India’s gig workers have long campaigned for better employment conditions and social security benefits, commentators say progress in wgaining them is painfully slow.

By Orchie Bandyopadhyay on 08 February 2023