Frame legislation to ensure basic rights to gig workers: CPI (M) leader

CPI (M) leader raises concerns over gig workers' exploitation, urges legislation; TMC demands removal of GST on insurance.

CPI (M) leader A.A. Rahim on Wednesday (March 19, 2025) raised the issue of gig workers in the Rajya Sabha, saying they face "unbelievable exploitation" and inadequate earnings, and urged the government to frame legislation to ensure basic rights to them.

Speaking during the Zero Hour in the House, Mr. Rahim also said app-based or platform companies do not consider delivery persons as workers, thus denying them even basic salaries.

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"The Union government should draft legislation to recognise them as workers and ensure their basic rights. Workers often face fluctuating and inadequate earnings due to arbitrary algorithms and a lack of transparency in payment structure," the Rajya Sabha member said.

He also regretted that there is no legal mechanism in India to ensure fairness in this regard.

Further, the absence of physical presence of the companies or representatives in many states makes it difficult for platform workers to resolve disputes or seek redressal for their grievances.

The CPI (M) member also urged the government to ensure accountability and provide workers with a physical centre to redress their grievances.