Gig work a full-time job for many in India, finds survey
A nationwide survey by Janpahal reveals that gig work in India has become a long-term, full-time occupation for millions, often characterized by unsafe conditions and excessive hours. The report highlights a lack of basic workplace facilities and high rates of occupational hazards among platform workers.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing precariousness of the gig economy and the urgent need for labor protections for platform-based workers.
A nationwide survey by a non-governmental organisation, Janpahal, has found that platform work has become a long-term form of employment in the country. Nearly 57% of workers, surveyed by the organisation, said they worked more than 49 hours a week, while almost 23% worked over 70 hours. It added that more than 72.3% have remained on platforms for over one year, including 38.4% for more than two years and 18.4% for over five years.
The 84-page report, titled ‘Occupational Safety and Health of Platform-based Gig Workers in India: Report on a Nationwide Survey’, added that India’s rapidly expanding platform economy is being sustained by millions of workers who face unsafe working conditions, excessive working hours, increasing climate-related risks, inadequate social protection, and limited access to even basic workplace facilities.
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