The Indian government has projected that the number of gig workers and platform workers in the country will reach 23.5 million by 2029-30. This highlights the significant growth and employment potential of the gig economy in India.
Gig Workers are individuals engaged in temporary, flexible, or freelance jobs, often facilitated through online platforms.
Unlike traditional, full-time employment, gig workers take up short-term assignments or projects on demand.
The gig economy is characterized by freelance, on-demand, and short-term work arrangements. This economy has been growing rapidly due to the widespread use of digital platforms and technologies.
Current Statistics:
As per NITI Aayog’s report "India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy" (2022), India had approximately 7.7 million gig and platform workers in 2020-21.
India has emerged as one of the world’s largest countries for gig work, driven by the proliferation of e-commerce platforms, app-based services, and online marketplaces.
Growth Prospects:
The gig economy is expected to grow substantially, with the number of gig and platform workers projected to reach 23.5 million by 2029-30.
Significance of the Gig Economy:
The gig economy has provided employment opportunities to millions, especially in urban areas where traditional jobs might be limited.
Gig work offers flexibility, the ability to set one’s own schedule, and the opportunity to work across multiple projects, which are attractive features for workers.
Macro Impacts (Economic Growth):
The gig economy contributes to India’s overall economic growth, creating new forms of work and boosting consumption through flexible labor.
With the rise of e-commerce platforms, logistics services, and app-based businesses, millions of jobs have been created.
Micro Impacts (Worker’s Perspective):
Gig work provides income stability through a diverse range of opportunities.
Workers benefit from independence, the freedom to choose work hours, and the ability to earn additional income without being tied to a single employer.
Lack of Legal Protections:
Gig workers are not recognized as formal employees, meaning they lack access to traditional labor law protections like health and safety standards, social security benefits, or minimum wage guarantees.
Many gig workers feel their workplace conditions are not regulated, and there are no formal contracts protecting their rights.
Income Instability:
Gig workers face income volatility because of the lack of guaranteed wages, often relying on the number of jobs they secure each month. As a result, job security is minimal.
Income instability leads to challenges in long-term financial planning and personal savings for workers.
Unregulated Working Hours:
Many gig workers, such as app-cab drivers, face unpredictable and extended working hours, including late nights and early mornings.
This leads to safety concerns, including the risk of accidents and exploitation due to long working hours.
Revenue Sharing and Working Conditions:
Gig workers have raised concerns about unfair revenue sharing models, where platforms take a large commission, leaving workers with a minimal share of earnings.
Protests have been witnessed over issues such as working hours, workload, and payment structures.
Code on Social Security, 2020:
For the first time, the Code on Social Security, 2020 officially recognizes gig workers and platform workers and proposes social security measures for them.
These measures include life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, and old-age protection for gig workers.
Regulatory Framework:
The government is working to create a supportive regulatory framework to address the challenges faced by gig workers. The goal is to balance the flexibility of gig work with adequate protections for workers’ rights and welfare.
Gig workers refer to individuals working in non-traditional employment relationships, often in temporary, flexible jobs.
These workers are classified into two categories:
Platform workers: Those who use online platforms or apps (e.g., Uber drivers, food delivery services) to connect with customers.
Non-platform workers: These include workers in sectors like construction, or other temporary, non-technology-based jobs (e.g., day laborers, casual workers).
Gig workers face several challenges due to their exclusion from the traditional employer-employee relationship. Some key issues include:
Lack of Basic Employment Rights:
Minimum Wages: Gig workers are not guaranteed minimum wages, unlike formal employees.
Overtime Pay: They do not receive overtime pay, even when working beyond standard hours.
Medical Leave: Unlike full-time employees, gig workers often do not have access to medical or sick leave.
Dispute Resolution: Gig workers do not have access to a statutorily defined mechanism for the resolution of disputes between employers and workers.
Classification Issues:
The classification of gig workers as ‘employees’ or ‘independent contractors’ depends on the extent of control and supervision exercised by employers.
Gig workers exhibit characteristics of both employees (e.g., performing tasks under supervision) and independent contractors (e.g., flexibility in choosing work hours).
This hybrid nature causes them to fall outside the purview of many statutory labor benefits such as those under the Minimum Wages Act (1948), EPF Act (1952), and Payment of Bonus Act (1965).
Legal Ambiguity:
Gig workers are not entitled to the same legal protections as formal employees. They are not covered under labor laws that apply to contract laborers (who are governed by the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970).
As a result, gig workers remain vulnerable to exploitation and lack basic legal protections such as health and safety standards, accident insurance, or retirement benefits.
In response to the challenges faced by gig workers, the Code on Social Security, 2020 was introduced by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, which includes several provisions specifically for gig workers.
Inclusion of Gig Workers:
For the first time, gig workers are brought within the ambit of Indian labor laws.
The Code distinguishes between gig workers and employees, acknowledging their unique status in the labor market.
Social Security Schemes:
The Central and State Governments are required to frame suitable social security schemes for gig workers, addressing areas like:
Life and disability cover
Accident insurance
Health and maternity benefits
Old-age protection.
Social Security Fund:
A Social Security Fund for gig workers is proposed, where gig employers must contribute 1-2% of their annual turnover.
These funds will be used to finance the social security schemes designed for gig workers.
Registration:
Compulsory registration of all gig workers is mandated to enable them to avail benefits under these social security schemes.
National Social Security Board:
A National Social Security Board will be constituted by the Central government to oversee the implementation of these schemes and ensure compliance.
Despite the positive steps taken by the Code on Social Security, several concerns remain:
Limited Scope in Labour Codes:
Gig work is mentioned only in the Code on Social Security, and the other three labor codes (such as the Industrial Relations Code and the Wages Code) do not recognize gig workers.
This limits their ability to form unions, access a national minimum wage, or participate in collective bargaining.
Exclusion from ‘Unorganised Workers’ Definition:
Gig workers are excluded from being classified as ‘unorganised workers’ under the Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008.
This exclusion means they do not have access to the specialized grievance redressal mechanisms available to unorganised workers.
Lack of Collective Bargaining Rights:
Gig workers are excluded from the right to collective bargaining, a key principle of modern labor law. This leaves them at a disadvantage when negotiating wages or working conditions.
Potential Violation of Fundamental Rights:
By denying gig workers access to basic rights and protections, it can be argued that their fundamental rights under Articles 14 (equality before law) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty) are violated.
Gig workers' conditions might even fall under the definition of forced labor as per Article 23 of the Indian Constitution.
Judicial Intervention:
A petition is pending in the Supreme Court of India seeking to classify gig workers as ‘unorganised workers’, which would place them under the purview of the Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act. This petition aims to address the gaps in legal protection for gig workers.
Best Practices from Other Countries:
UK: The UK Supreme Court classified Uber drivers as ‘workers’ under the UK Employment Rights Act, 1996, thus granting them the right to employment protections such as minimum wage and holiday pay.
Germany: The Temporary Employment Act in Germany ensures equal pay and equal treatment for gig workers.
Singapore: Singapore has proposed legislative changes to extend work injury insurance and pension coverage to gig workers.
Implementation of Labour Codes:
The Labor Codes need to be implemented expeditiously by the Central and State Governments.
State governments must frame rules for the effective implementation of the provisions, especially those related to gig workers.
Addressing Gaps in Legal Protections:
Future reforms should aim to provide gig workers with access to social security, minimum wage guarantees, and protection from exploitation.
Policies should also ensure that gig workers are entitled to collective bargaining rights and legal recognition to improve their working conditions.
By strengthening labor laws and creating a comprehensive regulatory framework, India can unlock the full potential of its gig economy while ensuring fair treatment and protection for gig workers.
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Sufism
Early Life:
Birth: Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti was born in 1141 CE in Persia (modern-day Iran). He lost his parents at a young age, being orphaned at just 14 years old.
Spiritual Journey: He embarked on a spiritual quest after meeting Ibrahim Qandozi, a mystic who guided him towards the Sufi path.
Ancestry: Moinuddin was believed to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad, adding a layer of spiritual significance to his persona.
Spiritual Training:
Moinuddin pursued studies in Bukhara and Samarkand, before being initiated into the Chishti Sufi Order by Khwaja Usman Harooni near Herat (in present-day Afghanistan).
Arrival in Ajmer:
In 1192 CE, Moinuddin arrived in Ajmer, following the defeat of the Chauhan dynasty by Muhammad of Ghor. He chose to settle in Ajmer, offering solace and support to the suffering local population.
Title “Garib Nawaz”:
Moinuddin earned the title “Garib Nawaz” (meaning "Friend of the Poor") for his selfless service to the underprivileged. He established a refuge and langarkhana (community kitchen) for the poor and needy.
Contributions and Teachings:
Moinuddin's teachings emphasized equality, divine love, and the rejection of religious orthodoxy. He engaged in spiritual dialogues with Hindu mystics and sages, highlighting the common values of devotion and compassion that transcended religious barriers.
Sufism, as taught by Moinuddin, was a devotional and ascetic form of Islam, centered on love and the pursuit of spiritual closeness to God.
Disciples and Spread of Teachings:
Moinuddin’s disciples, including Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki, Baba Fariduddin, Nizamuddin Auliya, and Chirag Dehalvi, played a significant role in spreading his teachings throughout the Indian subcontinent, helping establish the influence of Sufism across regions and cultures.
Mughal Patronage:
Emperor Akbar revered Moinuddin, making pilgrimages to his shrine and contributing to the beautification of Ajmer. Akbar's patronage helped in the revival of Ajmer as a center of Sufi learning and spiritual practice.
Legacy:
Moinuddin’s message of love, compassion, and inclusivity continues to resonate in India’s diverse religious landscape. His teachings helped bridge cultural divides between Hindus and Muslims, and his shrine in Ajmer remains a major site of pilgrimage for people of all faiths.
Definition and Practices:
Sufism refers to the mystical branch of Islam that focuses on the inward search for God and strives for spiritual closeness through love and devotion. Sufis reject formal religious rituals in favor of a more personal, experiential connection with the divine.
Practices: Sufi practices often include chanting (dhikr), contemplation, dancing, and breath control to cultivate a heightened sense of spirituality.
Sufi Philosophy:
The Sufis seek to experience a union with God, much like a lover seeking their beloved. Many Sufi mystics have composed poetry expressing their deep spiritual love and devotion.
Influence in India:
From the 11th century, many Sufis from Central Asia arrived in Hindustan (India), especially after the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate. Major Sufi centers flourished during this period.
Sufism became a central element of the Indian Muslim identity, with a focus on love, devotion, and compassion.
The Chishti Order:
Founded in the 10th century, the Chishti Sufi Order became one of the most influential Sufi traditions in the Indian subcontinent.
Prominent figures like Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki were central to the expansion of Sufism in India.
Sufi Khanqahs:
Sufi masters held spiritual assemblies in their khanqahs (hospices), where people from all walks of life, including both royalty and commoners, gathered for spiritual guidance, blessings, and music. These gatherings fostered a sense of unity and community.
Miracles and Pilgrimage:
Many Sufi saints were believed to possess miraculous powers, and their tombs (dargahs) became major pilgrimage sites. These dargahs attracted devotees from various religious backgrounds, contributing to the syncretic culture of the Indian subcontinent.
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti played a pivotal role in spreading Sufism in India. His teachings of love, compassion, and inclusivity continue to inspire people of all faiths. Despite the ongoing controversy around the heritage of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Moinuddin's legacy transcends religious and cultural boundaries, uniting people through the universal values of devotion and humanity.
Recently, a tragic incident occurred during an excavation at Lothal, a prominent Harappan site, where a research scholar tragically lost her life due to the collapse of an excavation pit.
Location: Lothal is situated in the Bhal region of Gujarat, India, and is one of the southernmost known sites of the Harappan Civilization (Indus Valley Civilization).
Historical Significance:
It is believed to have been built around 2200 BCE.
Lothal was discovered in 1954 by the renowned Indian archaeologist SR Rao.
The name Lothal in Gujarati translates to "the mound of the dead", a term similar to Mohenjodaro in Sindhi.
Ancient Dockyard: Lothal is particularly famous for having the world’s earliest known dock. This dock connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River, highlighting Lothal's role as a significant port town.
Harappan Port-Town: It is considered the only port-town of the Harappan Civilization, marking its importance in trade and commerce during the Harappan period.
UNESCO Nomination: Lothal was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in April 2014, recognizing its global historical significance.
National Maritime Heritage Complex: The Government of India is in the process of developing a National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, aiming to showcase India’s maritime history and heritage.
Surkotada: An important site located in Gujarat that provides insight into the Harappan Civilization’s northernmost extent.
Dholavira: Another significant Harappan site in Gujarat, recognized for its well-planned city layout and water management systems.
Lothal remains a crucial archaeological site that continues to provide valuable insights into the Harappan Civilization, particularly its trade networks and maritime capabilities. The recent tragedy highlights the challenges faced in archaeological excavations, particularly at ancient sites with complex layers of history.
Accelerated Process:
C-PACE aims to expedite the voluntary winding up of companies within six months, a crucial step towards improving India's business environment by providing businesses with a swift exit option.
Inclusion of LLPs:
Since 5th August 2024, C-PACE has been empowered to process eForms related to the striking off of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), expanding its scope beyond companies.
Ease of Doing Business:
C-PACE is part of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs' (MCA) broader initiative to enhance the Ease of Doing Business in India. It eliminates the need for physical interactions with stakeholders, simplifying the process through digital and centralized mechanisms.
Under the Registrar of Companies (RoC):
C-PACE operates under the Registrar of Companies (RoC), an office under the MCA, which has the authority to strike off companies from the register under Section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013.
Companies Act, 2013:
Section 248 of the Companies Act, 2013 grants the RoC the power to remove a company’s name from the register of companies, effectively closing it down.
Voluntary Liquidation:
The process of voluntary liquidation has been streamlined under Section 59 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), which no longer requires intervention from the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) to initiate the process.
In India, the timeline for voluntary company winding up has been reduced to 70-90 days, compared to:
United States: The voluntary winding up process takes about 90 to 180 days.
Germany: The process can take more than a year.
This makes the Indian process much faster than that in many developed economies, thereby enhancing India's attractiveness as a business destination.
Efficiency: C-PACE helps reduce bureaucratic delays, making it easier for companies to exit the market when they choose to wind up voluntarily.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship: A faster exit mechanism encourages entrepreneurs to take business risks, knowing that a quick exit option exists if the venture does not succeed.
Supporting Ease of Business: By simplifying the closure process, C-PACE contributes to India's overall ease of doing business rankings, making it easier for foreign investors and domestic entrepreneurs to operate.
C-PACE is an important step towards improving the business ecosystem in India by ensuring a fast, efficient, and transparent process for the voluntary closure of companies and LLPs. By reducing the time and complexity involved in company closures, it enhances the Ease of Doing Business and provides a more predictable environment for businesses.
Location: Nainital district, Uttarakhand.
Established: 1936 (as Hailey National Park), renamed Jim Corbett National Park in 1957.
Significance: The first park under Project Tiger (1973) to protect the Bengal tiger.
Part of: Corbett Tiger Reserve.
Core Zone: Strictly protected area for conservation, with no human activity allowed.
Buffer Zone: Surrounds the core zone, allowing sustainable nature conservation and compatible human activities like eco-tourism and controlled agriculture.
Recently, the Supreme Court of India (SC) addressed a significant conservation issue involving the operating of private buses within the core and buffer zones of Jim Corbett National Park. This raised concerns about the balance between wildlife conservation and the needs of local communities.
2020 Decision: The Uttarakhand government allowed private buses to operate within the core area of Jim Corbett National Park. This decision was challenged in the Supreme Court.
2021 Stay: The SC stayed the decision to allow private buses, citing concerns over the potential ecological impact on the park's sensitive environment.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (Section 38(O)):
Prohibits the diversion of tiger reserves for ecologically unsustainable uses.
Approval Required: Any such diversion must be approved by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) on the advice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
The law mandates that any changes in land use within the protected areas must adhere to strict guidelines to preserve the ecosystem.
The Supreme Court emphasized the need to find a balance between wildlife conservation and local community needs. The court highlighted the importance of preserving the core zones for ecologically sensitive uses while also addressing the livelihoods and mobility needs of the local population.
The case underlines the challenge of balancing development and conservation goals. While tourism is vital for local economies, any increase in human activity, especially in the core zone, can disrupt delicate wildlife habitats and disturb the park's ecosystem.
Jim Corbett National Park is a critical part of India's tiger conservation efforts:
First Under Project Tiger: Jim Corbett was the first national park to be included in Project Tiger, a significant wildlife conservation initiative launched in 1973 to protect the Bengal tiger from extinction.
Tiger Population: It plays a pivotal role in the conservation of tigers, with a thriving population of Bengal tigers.
Ecotourism: The park is also a major ecotourism destination, contributing to both wildlife conservation and the local economy. However, this has to be carefully managed to avoid harming the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
Jim Corbett National Park remains one of India's most important wildlife sanctuaries, known for its tiger population and natural beauty. However, the recent legal issues concerning the operation of private buses in the core and buffer zones highlight the ongoing challenges in balancing conservation with local needs. Going forward, effective management and strict adherence to conservation laws will be essential to maintain the park’s ecological health while also supporting the livelihoods of local communities.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
Offline/Online Class
