Rahul Gandhi Meets Gig Workers

Congress shared a video on X on Monday of Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with gig workers.

Congress shared a video on social media platform X on Sunday showing Rahul Gandhi meeting a delegation of gig workers. Rahul said that the governments led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the state and central levels are committing injustice against gig workers.

He stated that BJP governments are ignoring this injustice. There are no strong laws for gig companies, no social security, and no accountability.

According to Rahul, this meeting took place a few days ago. He said, “A few days ago, I met a delegation of gig workers at the Jan Sansad.” He added that a large portion of the workforce in the gig sector comes from Dalit and tribal communities and that they face discrimination in this system based on class and caste.

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What else did Rahul Gandhi said…

• Issues in the gig economy: Gig workers lack stable income, social security, medical care, and insurance.
• Work-life balance and dignity: Gig workers are losing work-life balance and facing violations of basic human dignity.
• Discrimination concerns: A large part of the gig workforce comes from Dalit and tribal communities, who face discrimination.
• Model laws in states: Congress-ruled states are working on rights-based laws to ensure social security, minimum wages, and equality for gig workers, creating a model legal framework to be implemented nationwide.
• Respect and social justice: The fight of gig workers is not just about employment but about dignity, safety, and social justice. CAIT’s decision on 10-minute deliveries reflects humanity and long-term thinking.

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3 Pictures of the Meeting…

This same delegation of gig workers had come to meet Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi learned about the problems of gig workers.

During the meeting, Rahul listened carefully to the gig workers’ concerns.

Economic survey: 40% gig workers earn less than ₹15,000

The economic survey, presented in Parliament on 29 January, raised concerns over the gig economy. According to the survey, about 40% of gig workers in India — including those in food delivery, quick commerce, and other platform-based jobs — earn less than ₹15,000 per month.

The report recommended that the government set a “minimum earning” for gig workers, either per hour or per task. It also suggested paying workers for the time spent waiting for assignments.

Fluctuating income is the biggest challenge, difficulty in getting loans

The survey noted that due to the lack of fixed income, gig workers face difficulties in accessing bank loans or other financial services. The government believes policies should allow people to choose gig work voluntarily, not out of necessity.

Algorithm-driven work pressure raises burnout risk

A survey has criticised platforms that allocate work through algorithms. These algorithms decide how much work a worker gets, their performance evaluation, and their earnings. This control is increasing work pressure, leaving workers fatigued and stressed.

Gig workforce grows 55% in 4 years, reaches 12 million

India’s gig workforce is expanding rapidly. In FY 2021, there were 7.7 million gig workers, which rose by 55% to 12 million in FY 2025. Currently, they account for over 2% of the total workforce. It is estimated that by 2029–30, gig work will make up 6.7% of non-agriculture jobs.

Companies advised to invest in training and assets

The report recommends that delivery companies and other platforms invest in training and assets (such as vehicles or other necessary equipment) for their workers. Due to lack of funds and resources, many workers are unable to move into skilled jobs.

Gig economy to contribute ₹2.35 lakh crore to GDP

In the coming years, the gig economy is expected to become a significant part of India’s economy. By 2030, its contribution to India’s GDP is projected at around ₹2.35 lakh crore.

Recently, workers from platforms like Zomato and Swiggy protested for better wages and working conditions. In this context, the survey’s recommendations are seen as important.