Deconstructing The Rajasthan Gig Workers Bill

Gig economy has transformed business models across organizations. Gig workers have become an essential part of industries such as deliveries, edtech, software, digital marketing, transport, online shopping and logistics. However, as gig workforce has not been regulated thus far, the rapid boom of gig economy has resulted in various issues. These issues are, amongst others, working conditions, lack of benefits and social security. Gig workers resorting to protests and strikes in order to make themselves heard is indicative of their dissatisfaction.

To address the issue of social security for gig workers, the Government of India enacted the Code on Social Security, 2020 (SS Code). With the labour codes' implementation postponed until 2024 and in the absence of a safety net for gig workers currently, Rajasthan becomes the first State to espouse the cause of gig workers. The Rajasthan Platform-based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2023 (Bill) was tabled