A gig worker is defined as a person who does "temporary or freelance work, especially an independent contractor engaged on an informal or on-demand basis." Those employed by food aggregator apps like Swiggy and Zomato, e-commerce business platforms, and rider apps like Ola and Uber come under the definition. Their welfare and social security are slowly becoming poll planks.
Ahead of the Karnataka Assembly elections, the Congress party has included a few promises meant for the welfare of gig workers in its manifesto. A budget to the tune of Rs 3,000 Cr will be allocated for their social security and other welfare measures if Congress comes to power. A minimum hourly wage aimed at helping more than 2 lakh workers will also be promulgated, the manifesto says.
Grievance redressal mechanisms will also be put in place for the benefit of the powerless section of blue-collar workers.
The promise is in tune with the Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023 brought out recently.
