New Delhi: Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday lauded the Karnataka government’s ordinance to protect the rights of platform-based gig workers, calling it a “historic step” toward ensuring dignity, justice, and social security for a rapidly growing segment of India’s workforce.
https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1927954068473008246
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi highlighted that the ordinance enshrines rights for gig workers by providing social security, fair contracts, transparency in algorithmic pay, and an end to arbitrary blocking by platforms.
“Karnataka’s new ordinance ensures: Social security, fair contracts, transparency in algorithmic pay, an end to arbitrary blocking. This is how technology should serve people — driving innovation and justice,” Gandhi posted.
“Rajasthan showed the way. Karnataka has acted. Telangana is next. This is our vision — and we will take it to every state, and to the nation.”
“Insaan Hai Hum, Ghulaam Nahi”
Gandhi recalled his interaction with gig workers during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, citing a striking quote from one of them:
“Rating nahi, haq chahiye. Insaan hai hum, ghulaam nahi”
(“We want rights, not ratings. We are human, not slaves.”)
He noted that these powerful words stayed with him and reinforced the Congress party’s commitment to the rights of gig workers.
Challenges Faced by Gig Workers
Rahul Gandhi outlined the exploitation and lack of protections often faced by gig economy workers, such as:
- Being blocked from platforms without notice
- Denial of paid leave, including sick leave
- Opaqueness in algorithms determining their pay
- Lack of job security or benefits despite working in harsh conditions
“These workers bring us food, deliver essentials, and drive us safely — in the heat, cold, and rain. Yet too often, they are treated unjustly. We are changing that,” he said.
Congress’ National Vision for Gig Workers
Gandhi reiterated that Congress’ long-term goal is to ensure that every Indian state adopts similar protections for platform workers. With Rajasthan and Karnataka leading the way and Telangana expected to follow, the party aims to build a nationwide legal framework around platform work that places workers’ rights at the center.
“Gig and platform work is creating new opportunities and reshaping work relationships. Workers’ rights must be at the center of this new arrangement,” Gandhi asserted.
Context: Rise of the Gig Economy
India’s gig and platform economy — encompassing food delivery personnel, ride-hailing drivers, warehouse staff, and freelance digital workers — has witnessed explosive growth but has often lacked legal safeguards for workers. The Karnataka ordinance, seen as a model law, could potentially inspire similar frameworks in other states.