Freedom At A Click, Control At A Code: The Gig Worker’s Paradox

India’s gig economy has become a defining feature of urban life, with millions of delivery riders navigating congested streets to meet the demands of app-based platforms. While these platforms project an image of efficiency and flexibility, a deeper analysis reveals a troubling reality. According to recent reports, the so-called independence of gig workers is undermined by algorithmic control, which dictates their earnings, working hours, and even disciplinary measures.  

Workers are labeled “partners” or “contractors” rather than employees, stripping them of benefits such as healthcare, insurance, and job security. This linguistic framing masks the exploitative nature of the system, where risks are borne entirely by workers. A Marxist perspective highlights that the gig economy is not a new form of work but a continuation of capitalist exploitation, now perfected through technology.  

The absence of social protection is stark. False complaints can instantly remove workers from platforms, leaving them without income or recourse. Women remain underrepresented in gig work due to structural barriers such as safety concerns, limited digital access, and algorithmic biases. Despite projections that India’s gig workforce could expand to 35 crore by 2030, the lack of regulation and protections raises urgent questions about sustainability and fairness.  

Key Highlights  

• Gig workers face algorithmic control that dictates earnings and work conditions  
• Workers labeled as contractors, denying them employee benefits and protections  
• False complaints can lead to instant removal without inquiry or recourse  
• Women’s participation remains low due to safety, access, and systemic barriers  
• India’s gig workforce projected to grow to 35 crore by 2030, raising concerns over rights and protections  

Future Outlook  
The rapid expansion of India’s gig economy underscores the need for stronger labor protections and regulatory frameworks. Without intervention, millions of workers will continue to face precarity under algorithmic governance. Addressing structural barriers, ensuring social security, and redefining worker rights are critical to building a fairer and more inclusive gig economy.  

Sources: Kashmir Reader, News18, The Print, Telegraph India, Insights on India