Do you know how much an average GIG worker earns ?
Do you know how much the GIG economy contributes to India ?
Have you ever imagined how many problems a delivery agent or freelancer goes through ?
India is the 6th largest economy, but the contribution of GIG workers is almost 1.25 % of India's GDP. As the population has also grown, the number of employment opportunities and creation has become a severe crisis. The competition in the market is 10x harder than before, so the job sector is constantly demanding more of the unorganized sector.
The GIG workers are basically contract-based and temporary jobseekers who work on rule-based with no future. They are delivery agents, temporary workers, part-time, contact-based workers, freelancers from Rapido to Uber and daily wage laborers who all come under GIG.
Most young people who have major financial issues and students who work during college and uneducated people prefer this job. In the metropolitan areas, they have a high chance of getting a temporary job for a few weeks or few months. They have to work according to the circumstances.
After the digital India mission, there has been a high rise in Gig workers who are opting for employment in this sector.
Gig workers' economy contribution data.
Almost 2.35 lakh crore contribution towards the Indian economy, with 1.25 % of the overall by
By 2030, 90 million jobs have been created. The average earning 22,000 rupees a month, approx, but almost 40% of the population earn less than 15,000.
Problems
The gig workers are exploited by giving them less pay and providing them with minimal facilities. Some of the workers, for 12 hours to 13 hours a day, wander on the streets with no hope for the next day. Their career has high uncertainty and unpredictability every moment counting time with unexpected circumstances. Their work is not professionally recognized by the public nor respected with dignity. The companies do not provide extra income or facilities. If in case of problems, his salary would be cut from his own salary. They face high risk and instability with accidents, especially those working in delivery agencies and harassment from multiple food orders. Their dreams and personal life security are almost ignored. With just a basic income of 500 per day, all they can do is survive. There won't be any health insurance or policy for them to actively give security. One single health issue in a gig worker's family or his own health is at risk, suffers the entire family. The people aged between 35 and 40 have high instability in life in the gig economy due to family pressure and high stress environments.
The government of India initiated NPS e shramik to extend social security workers who are working in the Gig sector providing them with essential needs for a retirement plan.
Aadhar is based on PRAN (Permanent retirement account number).
How can the government help Gig workers?
The government has to ensure the gig workers get at least 20k along with companies providing essential needs for work. Security for his life and his family to provide them a better quality of living. As the population is growing, then more Gig workers will be generated and following a limited time limit at work.
The companies can hire employees for 8 hours in 2 shifts for multiple people. It would help more employment and gig workers can think of a 2nd alternative along with the work. Ensuring more strict rules and regulations for companies who are hiring Gig workers. exampl: In Karnataka, the gig workers need to update 14 days before removal of their job and 1% welfare fee transactions, with 15 days' grievance redress time for workers. its shows concern and well being of their work.
The future of India needs to feel secure, when it comes to work and security. The workers are the systems which provide a boost to bigger companies and the work force. The government needs to create more opportunities and control the population.
The past generation had opportunities but lacked skill and knowledge, but the future has everything possible. It would be the concern of opportunities only.
Overall, the gig workers' jobs should have government backing, without it wouldn't be possible to provide them with a quality of life. The contribution of 1.25% of overall GDP is the main workforce contributing to it. They are the backbone of the workforce in unorganized sectors, providing help for your needs.
From early morning food deliveries to working under unimaginable situations, from taking care of their family and personal life together. Sacrificing their own needs just for a few bucks is not by choice or wish, it is purely due to the responsibilities of family. Uber, Rapido, Ola, Zomato, factory workers, domestic workers all need dignity and respect because the contribution they provide to our well-being has to be evolved and make them feel secure. So many videos in the past have gone viral where Gig workers have been exploited near apartment gates by owners due to car parking issues or Zomato delivery workers' food being returned and not paying them back. Complaining about late deliveries and due to quick deliveries, many gid workers lost their lives in accidents. Let's respect every individual who is working hard for his life.
