Aggregators Now Accountable: Karnataka's Step Toward Structured Aggregators And Worker Governance

INTRODUCTION

India has witnessed a sharp surge in gig and platform-based employment, driven by the growing demand for quick commerce, especially in the metropolitan cities. While this evolving model has unlocked new income opportunities for gig-platform based workers ("Workers" or "Worker") and allowed aggregators and platforms ("Aggregators") to scale rapidly, it has also brought to light key vulnerabilities on both sides.

Given that the nature of the engagement of Workers with the Aggregators does not constitute a traditional employer - employee relationship, these Workers often are not entitled to essential protections such as health insurance, accident cover and social security benefits. Aggregators on the other hand face operational challenges stemming from regulatory uncertainty and fragmented compliance requirements.