On 12 June 2026 the ILO adopted Convention No. 193, the first binding treaty that covers riders, drivers, pickers and data‑labellers who earn through apps. The vote was 406 in favour, 8 against and 36 abstentions. India abstained – only its government delegate voted ‘no’, while employer and worker delegates supported the treaty.
Key Developments
- India’s government delegate abstained while the other two Indian delegates voted in favour.
- The convention sets a floor of rights – minimum wage, timely payment, occupational safety, social security and algorithmic transparency – for all platform workers, irrespective of how they are labelled.
- India’s own Code on Social Security, 2020 defines gig workers but lacks clear benefit quantum and implementation mechanisms.
- State‑level laws such as Rajasthan’s Platform‑Based Gig Workers Act (2023) are already in force, creating a mismatch between centre and states.
Important Facts
The gig workforce in India was about 7.7 million in 2020‑21. NITI Aayog projects it will rise to 2.35 crore (23.5 million) by 2029‑30, roughly 6.7 % of the non‑agricultural workforce. Earnings data show:
- 39 % earn ₹10,000‑₹25,000 per month; 34 % earn ₹25,000‑₹40,000.
- Only about 15 % have any social security cover.
- Workers bear fuel costs, work 12‑hour shifts and lack overtime pay because no employer‑employee relationship is recognised.
The convention also tackles algorithmic management. Platforms must disclose automated decisions, provide written explanations and keep a human in the loop.
Exam Relevance
Understanding India’s stance on international labour standards touches on several GS papers:
- GS 2 (Polity) – the tripartite system and India’s selective ratification of ILO conventions illustrate federal‑centre dynamics and India’s approach to multilateral commitments.
- GS 3 (Economy) – the growth of the platform economy, wage structures, and the gap between statutory provisions (Code on Social Security) and ground realities are vital for questions on employment generation and social security.
- GS 4 (Ethics) – the ethical dimension of algorithmic opacity and workers’ right to safe, dignified work.
Way Forward
For aspirants to analyse policy options, consider the following steps:
- Encourage the centre to ratify Convention No. 193 and incorporate its provisions into the Code on Social Security with clear benefit formulas.
- Harmonise state laws with a national framework to avoid a patchwork of regulations.
- Mandate transparency of algorithmic management through a statutory “right to explanation” clause.
- Set up a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism where gig workers can sue platforms for non‑compliance, leveraging the ILO convention’s legal force.
By aligning domestic law with international standards, India can protect millions of platform workers, boost decent‑work creation and demonstrate leadership in the emerging gig economy.