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The Algorithmic-Human Manager: AI, Apps, and Workers in the Indian Gig Economy
Omir Kumar, Krishnan Narayanan
Intelligence
Status: succeeded | Model: Gemma-4-26B-A4B | Prompt: intel-v1 | Confidence: 96%
Last extracted: 6/21/2026, 4:52:48 AM
Summary
The paper examines the impact of AI and digital technologies on the blue-collar gig economy in India, focusing on algorithmic management in location-based services like ride-sharing and delivery. Using a social justice framework (John Rawls' justice as fairness), the study highlights a dual reality: while AI increases operational efficiency and access to work, it also introduces challenges regarding transparency, fairness, and worker dignity. Key issues include 'algorithmic cruelty,' income obfuscation, and lack of human recourse. The authors propose an 'Algorithmic-Human Manager' framework, advocating for a hybrid governance model that combines technological efficiency with human accountability, including a 'Unified Worker Interface' (UWI) and a 'Right to Explanation'.
Entities (10)
Relation Signals (5)
Artificial Intelligence → impacts → Gig Economy
confidence 100% · examines the impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on the blue-collar gig economy in India
CeRAI → ispartof → IIT Madras
confidence 100% · Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at IIT Madras
Algorithmic Management → governs → Gig Workers
confidence 90% · algorithmic management he use of automated systems to allocate, monitor, and evaluate work
Algorithmic-Human Manager → proposessolutionfor → Algorithmic Management
confidence 90% · advocates for a pragmatic hybrid governance model an Algorithmic Human Manager framework
Unified Worker Interface → supports → Gig Workers
confidence 85% · UWI can operationalise social security contributions, benefits by creating a verified, consented ledger
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Abstract
Abstract:This paper examines the impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on the blue-collar gig economy in India, focusing on algorithmic management. This paper examines the impact of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on the blue collar gig economy in India, focusing on algorithmic management he use of automated systems to allocate, monitor, and evaluate work in location-based services such as ride sharing and delivery. Using a social justice framework and a mixed-methods approach comprising interviews with 16 gig workers and 21 key stakeholders, the study uncovers a dual reality: while AI-powered systems expand access to work and generate operational efficiencies, they simultaneously introduce significant challenges related to fairness, transparency, and worker dignity. Key findings reveal that algorithmic systems are opaque by design, produce inequitable outcomes, and are not structured to reward additional labour with proportionate pay. The study advocates for a pragmatic hybrid governance model an Algorithmic Human Manager framework in which technological efficiency and human accountability operate together rather than in opposition. The findings carry implications for policymakers, platform companies, and civil society organizations working to design equitable AI governance frameworks for the gig economy in India and across the Global South.
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- Source: https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.19975v1
- Canonical: https://arxiv.org/abs/2606.19975v1
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The_AlgorithmicR Human_Manager:_ AI;_Apps;_and Workers_in_the Indian_Gig Economy SEPTEMBER_2025 The authors express their deepest gratitude to Prof. Balaraman Ravindran, Head, Wadhwani School of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (WSAI), and Centre for Responsible AI, (CeRAI) IIT Madras, and Prof. Sudarsan Padmanabhan, Professor, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, IIT Madras & Principal Investigator, CeRAI for their guidance and mentorship throughout the course of this work. We would also like to acknowledge Bhumika Sharma and Srivatsan S for their diligent research and review assistance. Acknowledgements Authors Omir Kumar — Policy Analyst, Centre for Responsible AI, IIT Madras (CeRAI) Krishnan Narayanan — Researcher, CeRAI, IIT Madras; Co-founder and President, itihaasa Research and Digital The_Algori|hmicQHman_Managerű_AI;_Appv;_and_Workerv_in_|he_Indian_Gig_Econom;_b |he_ Centre_ for_ Responsible_ AI_ NCeRAIO_ at_ IIT_ Madras;_eaminev_|he_profond_impac|_of Ar|ificial_ In|elligence_ NAIO_ and_ digi|al_ |echnologiev_ on_ |he_ brgeoning_ bleRcollar_ gig econom_in_India@_Wi|h_|he_vec|or;_projec|ed_b_NITI_Aaog;_|o_emplo_oer_d@eg_crore orkerv_ b_ dbdkReb;_ nderv|anding_ |he_ in|erpla_ be|een_ |echnological_ innoa|ion_ and orker_oppor|ni|Felfare_iv_cri|ical@ _ The_ v|d_ adop|v_ a_ vocial_ jv|ice_ frameork_ |o_ analve_ ho_ algori|hmic_ managemen| vhapev_|he_liev_of_orkerv_in_loca|ionRbaved_vericev_like_rideRvharing;_delier_and_home vericev@_ Throgh_ a_ miedRme|hodv_ approach;_ inclding_ inRdep|h_ in|eriev_ i|h_ 16_ gig workers_and_21_key_stakeholders;_|he_repor|_ncoerv_a_dal_reali|ű While_AI_and_|echnolog_crea|ev_npreceden|ed_accevv_|o_ork_and_ne_efficienciev;_i| alvo_ in|rodcev_ vignifican|_ challengev_ rela|ed_ |o_ fairnevv;_ |ranvparenc_ and_ orker digni|@ While_ AI_ iv_ revponvible_ for_ |he_ algori|hmic_ managemen|_ of_ gig_ ork_ Nalloca|ion; performance_ managemen|_ e|c@O;_ orkerv_ beliee_ |ha|_ a_ hman_ iv_ making_ |heve decivionv@__ What we heard from workers Opportunity_ Q_ often_ as_ fallback:_Pla|formv_ epand_ accevv_ |o_ ork_ Ne@g@;_ orkerv moing_ from_ nemplomen|_ |o_ v|ead_ earningvO;_ e|_ man_ choove_ gig_ ork_ de_ |o limi|ed_al|erna|iev_ra|her_|han_preference@ Apps_ as_ the_ Zmanager;[_ but_ humans_ behind_ the_ curtain:_ Workerv_ eperience_ core decivionv_Norder_div|rib|ion;_pa;_incen|ievO_|hrogh_|he_app_b|_beliee_hman_|eamv l|ima|el_ con|rol_ rlev@_ While_ |heir_ profevvional_ liev_ are_ goerned_ b_ efficien| algori|hmv;_|he_nei|her_nderv|and_nor_|rv|_|hem@_Thiv_opaci|_in_|avk_alloca|ion_Ne@g@; faoring_longer_horv_or_ne_joinervO;_age_de|ermina|ion;_and_performance_ra|ingv felv_a_venve_of_poerlevvnevv;_par|iclarl_arond_opaqe_pa_v|rc|rev_and_penal|iev for_fac|orv_beond_|heir_con|rol_Ne@g@;_|rafficO@ _ | P A G E 1 Executive_Summary Grievances_need_a_human_touch:_Chat_support_is_the_mostRused_feature_but_struggles with_ complex_ issues_ Npenalties;_ deactivations;_ payoutsO@_ Workers_ want_ timeRbound escalation_to_a_humanE_chatbotRonly_pathways_are_viewed_as_unfair_and_alienating@ Worker_Perceptions_of_AI:_Most_blueRcollar_workers_are_unfamiliar_with_the_term_CAIC; yet_describe_the_perceived_ effects_of_ AI_on_ their_work@_ Their_primary_interaction_ with technology_is_the_platformDs_app;_which_they_often_view_more_as_a_tool_of_control_than one_ of_ empowerment@_ They_ do_ not_ believe_ technology_ can_ fully_ replace_ them;_ citing realRworld_complexities_like_poor_infrastructure@ _ What stakeholders told us Digitised_recruitment__onboarding:_Firms_use_targeted_ads;_data_pipelines;_and_even GenAI_ to_ source_ and_ process_ candidates@_ Workers_ can_ onboard_ themselves_ with minimal_ cost_ and_ begin_ earning_ in_ hours;_ a_ process_ that_ once_ took_ days@_ Inclusion features_ Ne@g@;_ speechRtoRtextO_ help;_ but_ digital_ literacy_ barriers;_ reduced_ Zhuman touch[;_and_rural_intermediaries_impose_new_frictions_and_risks@ Algorithmic_ ManagementDs_ Double_ Edge:_ Platforms_ use_ technology_ to_ streamline recruitment_ and_ manage_ performance_ at_ scale;_ employing_ tools_ like_ selfie_ verification and_location_tracking_to_prevent_fraud@_However;_stakeholders_also_describe_practices_of Calgorithmic_ crueltyC;_ such_ as_ the_ perceived_ manipulation_ of_ incentives_ and deactivations_ without_ due_ process@_ Practices_ like_ Cincome_ obfuscationC_ and_ digital surveillance_create_a_precarious_work_environment;_undermining_the_very_flexibility_that attracts_workers@ HumanQtech_collaboration_in_warehousesFdark_stores:_ Handhelds;_ computer_ vision; and_layout_optimisation_lift_throughputE_yet_rigid_targets_ignore_weatherFfloodingFheat@ Automation_helps_in_harsh_conditions_but_can_also_hardRcode_unrealistic_expectations; exposing_workers_to_penalties_for_delays_beyond_their_control@ Wages_and_incentives_Q_visibility_with_opacity:_Some_apps_show_realRtime_earnings_and surge_logicE_still;_many_workers_face_income_obfuscation;_unilateral_rate_changes;_and arbitrary_ penalties_ that_ can_ wipe_ out_ weekly_ income;_ creating_ financial_ fragility_ and stress@ Policy_landscape_is_a_work_in_progress:_The_Code_on_Social_Security_N2020O_recognises gigFplatform_workers_but_provisions_for_gig_workers_have_not_been_notified_yet@_Some states_NRajasthan;_Karnataka;_Jharkhand;_Bihar_and_TelanganaO_are_advancing_measures on_ transparency;_ grievance_ redressal;_ algorithmic_ explainability_ and_ socialRsecurity contributions@_Implementation;_data_rights_and_ZhumanRinRtheRloop[_standards_remain uneven@ | PAGE 2 The_Pa|h_Forardű_A_Pragma|ic_Middle_Pa|h_for_an_Eqi|able_Gig_Econom The_ report_ advocates_ for_ a_ Cpragmatic_ middle_ pathC_ that_ fosters_ innovation_ while establishing_ robust_ digitallyRenabled_ guardrails_ to_ protect_ workers@_ Key_ recomm endations are_targeted_at_all_ecosystem_participants:__ For Platform Companies:_ Embrace_ algorithmic_ transparency_ by_ providing_ clear explanations_of_how_systems_work@_Establish_humanRcentric_grievance_redressal_with_a humanRinRtheRloop_ for_ highRstakes_ decisions@_ Adopt_ participatory_ design_ by_ involving workers_in_the_creation_and_auditing_of_platform_features@_Embed_microRlearning_into the_worker_app@ _ Data Gigs Ecosystem:_Create_a_ZData_Gigs_Ecosystem[_by_forging;_through_the_digital platform;_ a_ network_ of_ annotation_ companies;_ speechFtext_ labeling_ partners;_ local training_NGOs;_and_DPI_enablers_in_order_to_create_additional_earnings_opportunities_via digital_tasks_Nsuch_as_data_labelling_and_annotationO_for_gigRworkers@ ___ For Gig Workers and Civil Society:_Build_peer_support_networks_to_combat_isolation@ Expand_digital_and_financial_literacy_initiatives@_Leverage_technology_and_data_analysis_to aggregate_best_practices;_complaints_and_evidence_patterns_at_scale@__ For Governments and Policymakers:_Enable_a_foundational_safety_net_by_developing_a Unified_ Worker_ Interface_ NUWIO@_ Promote_ coRregulation_ to_ address_ Cdesign_ F_ dark patternsC_in_gig_work_and_enact_a_legal_CRight_to_Explanation_and_Human_ReviewC_for critical_automated_decisions@ __ Unified Workers Interface (UWI):_ A_ digital_ public_ infrastructure_ NDPIO;_ akin_ to UPIFONDC;_ for_ the_ market_ of_ work:_ portable_ UWIRID;_ discovery_ F_ interaction_ F settlement_protocols;_neutral_governance;_and_reputation_portability_across_platforms@ UWI_ can_ operationalise_ social_ security_ Ncontributions;_ benefitsO_ by_ creating_ a_ verified; consented_ ledger_ of_ earnings_ and_ work_ history;_ while_ restoring_ data_ ownership_ to workers@ Public repository of design & dark patterns:_A_transparent_catalogue_of_harmful_and helpful_ patterns_ Ne@g@;_ wage_ concealment;_ false_ urgency;_ unfair_ deactivationE_ vs@ explainable_pay;_stable_schedulingO@_This_enables_selfRassessment;_public_accountability; and_targeted_remediation_by_platforms_and_regulators@ _PAGE_e We_delibera|el_ve_|he_|erm_Algori|hmicRHman_Manager_|o_cap|re_India]v_lied_reali| and_ |he_ direc|ion_ e_ adoca|eű_ algori|hmv_ ma_ alloca|e_ and_ op|imive;_ b|_ accon|abili|; fairnevv;_and_digni|_demand_a_hman_in_|he_loop;_vomeone_ho_can_eplain;_oerride;_and redrevv@_ Thiv_hbrid_goernance_reframev_|he_deba|e_from_Zalgori|hmv_ervv_people[_|o_Zalgori|hmv i|h_ people[ű_ clear;_ adi|able_ vv|emv_ paired_ i|h_ |imeRbond_ evcala|ion;_ orker par|icipa|ion;_and_de_procevv_vo_efficienc_and_eqi|_reinforce_each_o|her@_B_adop|ing |hiv_middle_pa|h;_India_can_gide_|he_eol|ion_of_i|v_gig_econom_|oardv_a_f|re_|ha|_iv no|_ onl_ economicall_ dnamic_ b|_ alvo_ vociall_ jv|_ and_ eqi|able_ for_ |he_ millionv_ of orkerv_ho_poer_i|@ | P A G E 4 Technological_ aev_ R_ from_ v|eam_ poer_ and_ |he_ mechanical_ loom_ |o_ avvembl_ linev; comp|ing;_and_no_ar|ificial_in|elligence_NAIO_R_hae_con|inall_revhaped_|he_orkforce and_ho_e_ork@_Their_impac|_can_be_veen_in_|hree_main_avű_NiO_b_vbv|i||ing_for_|avkv |hrogh_ a|oma|ion;_ NiiO_ b_ crea|ing_ ne_ |avkv;_ rolev;_ and_ een_ vec|orv;_ and_ NiiiO_ b reconfigring_ho_eiv|ing_jobv_are_performed_NA|or;_Le;__Mrnane;_dbbeE_Brevnahan e|_ al@;_ dbbdE_ A|or;_ dbcgE_ Acemogl_ _ Rev|repo;_ dbckO@_ In_ |oda]v_ AI_ ae;_ vof|are NmachineRlearning_vv|emv_for_predic|ion;_ma|ching_and_op|imiva|ionO_and_vmar|_hardare Nrobo|v;_ venvorv_ and_ a|onomov_ machinevO_ |oge|her_a|oma|e_ par|v_ of_ bo|h_ digi|al_ and phvical_ ork@_ The_ In|erna|ional_ Labor_ Organiva|ion_ ev|ima|ev_ |ha|_ oerall_ d@e_ of emplomen|_ Nor_ ig_ million_ jobvO_ iv_ a|_ rivk_ of_ a|oma|ion_ becave_ of_ high_ epovre_ |o genera| ie_AI_|echnolog_NBerg;_dbdfO@ Againv|_|hiv_backdrop;_revearch_conergev_on_|he_folloing_ve|_of_prac|ical_qev|ionv@_Firv|; job divplacemen| and crea|ionű_ ho_ mch_ ork_ ill_ be_ a|oma|ed;_ hich_ occpa|ionv v|and_ epoved;_ and_ here_ ill_ ne_ ork_ be_ crea|ed_ av_ prodc|ii|_ and_ demand_ rive NAcemogl_ _ Rev|repo;_ dbckE_ In|erna|ional_ Labor_ Organia|ion;_ dbdeO@_ Second; prodc|ii| and innoa|ionű_hen_and_ho_AI_ac|all_lif|v_o|p|;_|picall_hen_paired i|h_ complemen|ar_ inev|men|_ in_ people;_ da|a;_ and_ procevvev_ NBrnjolfvvon;_ Rock;_ Servon;_ dbciO@_ Third;_ vkillv and edca|ionű_ |he_ mi_ of_ |echnical_ and_ vocioRcogni|ie capabili|iev_ orkerv_ no_ needE_ and_ ho_ revkilling_ can_ narro;_ ra|her_ |han_ iden;_ gapv NA|or;_ dbcgE_ In|erna|ional_ Labor_ Organia|ion;_ dbdeO@_ For|h;_ vec|oral differencevű neen_effec|v_acrovv_indv|riev_av_|avk_v|rc|rev_differ_NBrevnahan_e|_al@;_dbbdO@_Fif|h; agev, ineqali|, and polariva|ionű_po|en|ial_gainv_for_vome_highRvkill_rolev_and_prevvrev on_ro|ine_middleRvkill_ork;_i|h_div|rib|ional_conveqencev_NA|or;_dbcgO@_Si|h;_ fairnevv and divcrimina|ion ű_ ho_ |o_ preen|_ algori|hmic_ biav_ in_ hiring;_ alloca|ion;_ and_ eala|ion NBarocav_ _ Selbv|;_ dbchO@_ Seen|h;_ l abor-marke| dnamivmű_ |he_ chrn;_ mobili|;_ and career_ |ranvi|ionv_ AI_ ma_ accelera|e_ NA|or;_ dbcgE_ In|erna|ional_ Labor_ Organia|ion; dbdeO@_Eigh|h;_and_cen|ral_|o_|hiv_repor|;_ pla|form ork and algori|hmic managemen|ű_|he ve_ of_ algori|hmv_ |o_ ma|ch;_ ro|e;_ price;_ ra|e;_ and_ moni|or_ ork_ on_ digi|al_ pla|formv; vhaping_ a|onom;_ earningv;_ and_ pro|ec|ionv_ NKellogg_ e|_ al@;_ dbdbE_ Rovenbla|_ _ S|ark; dbchE_In|erna|ional_Labor_Organia|ion;_dbdcO@ __ c@In|rodc|ion 1.1. AI, Digital Technology and Work | P A G E 5 Pla|formRmedia|ed_ork;_inoling_a_digi|al_labor_pla|form_and_digi|al_pla|form_orkerv;_iv of|en_ved_in|erchangeabl_i|h_gig_ork_or_onRdemand_ork@_The_|erm_CgigC_i|velf_hav mvical_ originv;_ firv|_ appearing_ arond_ ckcg_ hen_ ja_ mvicianv_ coined_ i|_ |o_ refer_ |o indiidal_ performancev_ NWoodcock_ _ Graham;_ dbdbO@_ B_ |he_ ckdbv;_ mvicianv_ ere reglarl_going_from_CgigC_|o_CgigC;_ev|ablivhing_|he_concep|_of_projec|Rbaved_ork@_Some ke_fea|rev_of_gigv_are_|ha|_|he_are;_in_evvence;_nonRpermanen|_ork_and_hae_ariable orking_horv;_inoling_pamen|_on_a_|avkR|oR|avk_baviv_NWoodcock__Graham;_dbdbO@ We_ prodce_ a_ defini|ion_ of_ |he_ ke_ |ermv_ av_ defined_ b_ |he_ In|erna|ional_ Labor Organia|ion_Q_See_Bo_c_NIn|erna|ional_Labor_Organia|ion;_dbdcE_In|erna|ional_Labor Conference;_dbdgO@ NaO_ The_ |erm_ Zdigi|al_ labor_ pla|form[_ meanv_ a_ legal_ pervon_ or;_ here applicable_nder_na|ional_la;_na|ral_pervon_|ha|;_|hrogh_digi|al_|echnologiev; ving_a|oma|ed_decivionRmaking_vv|emv; i@_organivev_andFor_facili|a|ev_ork_performed_b_pervonv_for_remnera|ion_or pamen|;_ for_ |he_ proivion_ of_ verice;_ pon_ reqev|_ of_ |he_ recipien|_ or reqev|or@ i@_ regardlevv_ of_ he|her_ |ha|_ ork_ iv_ performed_ online_ or_ in_ a_ vpecific geographic_loca|ion@ NbO_The_|erm_Zdigi|al_pla|form_orker[_meanv_a_pervon_emploed_or_engaged_|o orkű i@_for_|he_proivion_of_verice_organived_andFor_facili|a|ed_b_a_digi|al_labor pla|form@ i@_for_remnera|ion_or_pamen|@ i@_regardlevv_of_|heir_clavvifica|ion_of_v|a|v_in_emplomen|@ NcO_There_are_|o_kindv_of_digi|al_pla|formvű i@_ loca|ionRbaved_ pla|formv;_ here_ vericev_ are_ proided_ b_ indiidalv_ in_ a vpecific_loca|ion_Nfood_and_grocer_delier;_cab_hailing;_e|cO;_and i@_online_pla|formv;_here_orkerv_proide_|heir_vericev_remo|el_Nfreelance ri|ing;_graphic_devign;_e|cO@ 1.2. Platform-mediated or Gig Work Box_1:_Definition_of_the_key_terms_in_platform_economy_NSource:_International Labour_OrganizationO | P A G E 6 Toda]v_ digi|al_ pla|formv_ in|ermedia|e_ accevv_ |o_ cv|omerv_ and;_ ia_ algori|hmic managemen|;_ con|rol_ ke_ elemen|v_ of_ orkű_ |avk_ accevv_ and_ alloca| ion;_ performance eala|ion_ and_ ra|ingv;_ pricing_ and_ incen|iev;_ and_ pamen|_ flov_ NKellogg_ e|_ al@;_ dbdbE Rovenbla|__S|ark;_dbchE_ _In|erna|ional_Labor_Organia|ion;_dbdcO@_S|ding_AI]v_impac|_on gig_ ork_ iv_ cri|ical_ and_ an_ emerging_ area_ of_ revearch_ becave_ pla|form_ algori|hmv_ no de|ermine_ accevv_ |o_ ork;_ direc|l_ vhaping_ orker_ earningv;_ a|onom;_ vafe|;_ and oice@India_veemv_|o_offer_a_niqe_oppor|ni|_|o_v|d_|he_dnamicv_be|een_digi|al_|ech and_|he_gig_econom@ 1.3. Gig Economy in India In_|he_lav|_decade_or_vo;_India_hav_ndergone_a_remarkable_digi|al_|ranvforma|ion@_The_S|a|e of_India]v_Digi|al_Econom_Repor|;_dbdf_NDeepak_e|_al@;_dbdfO_no|ev_|ha|_India_rankv_av_|he |hird_mov|_digi|alived_econom_in_|he_orld_oerall;_and_v|andv_cd|h_among_Gdb_na|ionv hen_i|_comev_|o_digi|aliva|ion_a|_|he_indiidal_ver_leel@_Accevv_|o_|he_in|erne|;_financial inclvion;_and_digi|al_iden|i|_hae_been_|he_|hree_core_pillarv_of_India]v_digi|al_econom@ Projec|v_vch_av_Aadhaar;_Jan_Dhan_Accon|v;_and_UPI_NUn ified_Pamen|v_In|erfaceO_hae been_ke_drierv_of_India]v_digi|al_reol|ion_NMiniv|r_of_Informa|ion__Broadcav|ing;_dbdfO@ India]v_ digi|al_ infrav|rc|re_ and_ |he_ COVIDRck_ pandemic_ enabled_ |he_ gro|h_ of_ i|v_ gig econom@_The_pandemic_divrp|ed_oer_cd@d_crore_jobv_dring_|he_April_dbdb_lockdon; i|h_ arond_ ig_ of_ |hem_ being_ vmall_ |raderv_ and_ ageRlaborerv_ NThe_ Hind;_ dbdcO@ Dring_ |hiv_ |ime;_ |he_ pla|form_ econom_ emerged_ av_ a_ iable_ vorce_ of_ income_ for indiidalv_veeking_ork_oppor|ni|iev@_Sericev_like_rideRhailing_and_home_vericev_came_|o a_ hal|_ dring_ COVIDRck;_ b|_ o|her_ vericev_ like_ food_ and_ grocer_ delier_ |hried NIn|erna|ional_ Labor_ Organia|ion;_ dbdfO@_ A_ v|d_ on_ Indian_ food_ delier_ pla|formv highligh|ed_|ha|_vch_pla|formv_proided_a_bffer_for_orkerv_hen_|he_faced_job_lovv_or income_ divrp|ionv_ Q_ k_ of_ orkerv_ revponded_ i|h_ job_ lovv_ av_ a_ reavon_ |o_ join_ |he pla|form;_hereav_abo|_ed_revponded_|ha|_|he_ere_nemploed_for_g@f_mon|hv_before joining_ |he_ pla|form_ NNa|ional_ Concil_ of_ Applied_ Economic_ Revearch;_ dbdeO@_ Fr|her;_ a vre_b_Janpahal_highligh|ed_ho_gig_ork_iv_|he_primar_vorce_of_lielihood_for_man_R jg_of_orkerv_repor|ed_orking_more_|han_eigh|_horv_a_da_NJanpahal_dbdfO@_Fr|her; |he_ v|d_ highligh|ed_ |ha|_ of_ |he_ g;b_ people_ in|erieed_ onl_ d@e_ ere_ omen NJanpahal_ dbdfO@_ More_ recen|_ ork_ b_ Vavdean_ NdbdgO_ hav_ been_ inv|rmen|al_ in nderv|anding_|he_liev_and_eperiencev_of_gig_orkerv_acrovv_So|h_Avia@ _ | P A G E 7 NITI Aaog (dbdd) repor|ed |ha| in dbdb–dc, arond i lakh people, making p roghl c.g% of India’v |o|al orkforce, ere emploed in |he gig econom. B dbdk–eb, |hiv nmber iv an|icipa|ed |o gro |o d.eg crore, i|h gig orkerv epec|ed |o accon| for h.i% of |he non-agricl|ral orkforce and f.c% of |he con|r’v oerall emplomen|. More recen| ev|ima|ev vggev| |ha| |hiv nmber iv epec|ed |o be arond h.ch crore b dbfi (V.V. Giri Na| ional Labor Inv|i||e, dbdg). Ev|ima|ev b Avvocham – Primv Par|nerv (dbdc) vggev| |ha| abo| hf% of India’v gig orkforce iv in |he df-ej age bracke|. The ci|iev of Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai, Pne, and Mmbai had |he highev| nmber of gig orkerv in India (Avvocham – Primv Par|nerv, dbdc). According |o Bov|on Convl|ing Grop and Michael & Svan Dell Fonda|ion (dbdc), |he Indian gig econom cold con|rib|e an addi|ional c.dg% |o |he na|ion’v GDP and genera|e av man av kb million jobv oer |he long rn. Gig orkerv are engaged in veeral indv|riev vch av re|ail |rade and valev, |ranvpor|a|ion, and manfac|ring. Av per NITI Aaog (dbdd), in dbck–db nearl fi% of gig orkerv ere engaged in medim-vkill occpa|ionv, arond d% in high-vkill rolev, and clove |o ec% in lo-vkill ork. The da|a indica|ev a gradal redc|ion in |he vhare of medim-vkill jobv, alongvide a riving prevence of bo|h lo-vkill and high-vkill rolev. Gig ork iv a||rac|ie for orkerv de |o |he fleibili| (no fied orking horv), eave of en|r (in |ermv of avve|v, inev|men|, and vkill ve|) and abili| |o diervif income vorcev. A| |he vame |ime, vome concernv hae emerged vch av |he abvence of minimm agev for orkerv, lack of vocial vecri| benefi|v, algori|hmic opaqenevv, and long orking horv for orkerv (All India Gig Workerv’ Union (AIGWU), dbde; Jain, dbde; Sakvhi Sadavhi K., dbdg). All |hiv hav led |o veeral v|diev and polic propovalv in India |ha| veek |o addrevv |heve ivvev. 1.4. Studies and Policy Proposals on Gig Work in India S|diev b NITI Aaog (dbdd), Na|ional Concil of Applied Economic Revearch (dbde), and IDinvigh| (dbdg) reealed invigh|v abo| |he oerall gig econom, inclding |he |pev of vericev offered, |he nmber of orkerv engaged, |heir demographicv, mo|ia|ionv |o nder|ake gig ork and earningv. | P A G E 8 Further, studies by IT for Change; Centre for Labour Studies, NLSIU (Sen, Chatterjee, Agarwal, & Sharma, 2023) and PAIGAM, University of Pennsylvania (2024) have been instrumental in bringing forward issues affecting gig workers, such as working hours, low earnings, lack of social security, and arbitrary control by algorithms. Some work has been done around the use of algorithms and their impact on gig workers, such as arbitrary deductions from payouts (Madhulika et al., 2025). Fairwork India (2023) has contributed by studying platforms and providing them annual ratings based on their treatment of workers across parameters like fair wages, contracts, and social security. The Code on Social Security (2020), passed by the Indian Parliament, was the first piece of legislation in the country on gig work. It defines a gig worker as “a person who performs work or participates in a work arrangement and earns from such activities outside of a traditional employer-employee relationship”. It has several provisions for gig workers, including social security schemes such as accident insurance and health, maternity benefits, and old-age protection. The central government has also been working with platforms to onboard gig workers on the e-Shram portal to create a national database of all gig workers (Ministry of Labour & Employment, 2025b). This database will be important to identify gig workers and give them access to social security benefits (Ministry of Labour & Employment, 2025a). Further, some states like Rajasthan, Karnataka, Jharkhand, Bihar and Telangana have proposed their gig work laws. (The Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023; The Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025; The Draft Telangana Gig and Platform Workers (Registration, Social Security, and Welfare) Bill, 2025; The Draft Jharkhand Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Bill, 2024; The Bihar Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Safety and Welfare), Act, 2025. Broadly, all these state specific laws seek to — (i) provide social security benefits to gig workers, (i) put certain obligations on aggregators relating things like grievance redressal, termination of work, algorithms deployed on the platform, and contribution towards social security schemes, and (i) provide for the registration of aggregators and gig workers. In this context, and given the increasing use of AI and digital technologies, there is a need to understand their potential impact on blue-collar workers engaged in the platform/gig economy in India. | P A G E 9 The Cen|re for Revponvible AI (CeRAI)_at_IIT_Madras_is_a_leading_interdisciplinary_research centre_located_in_the_Global_Majority;_dedicated_to_advancing_both_the_technical_and_policy dimensions_ of_ Respons ible_ AI@_ CeRAI_ brings_ together_ fundamental;_ applied;_ and_ policy research_ to_ advance_ the_ development_ and_ deployment_ of_ AI_ systems_ that_ are_ ethical;_ fair; and_ accountable@_ CeRAI_ has_ conducted_ this_ study_ to_ understand_ the_ impac| of AI and digi|al |echnologiev on ble-collar gig ork in India @_ This_ study_ also_ falls_ under_ the_ research_ focus_ of_ the_Co-In|elligence Ne|ork a| IIT Madrav ;_ which_ studies_ the_ five_ futures_ of_ a_ coRintelligence_ world:_ learning;_ planet; development;_work_and_AI@_This_study_comes_under_the_Future_of_Work@_ d. S|d on |he Impac| of AI & Digi|al Technologiev on Ble-collar Gig Work in India 2.1. Research Organisation This_study_focuses_on_the_use_of_AI_and_digital_technologies_by_loca|ion-baved pla|formv in |he Indian gig econom @_This_includes_services_like_ridesharing;_delivery_services;_and_home services@_ The_ study_ seeks_ to_ understand_ how_ platform_ companies_ are_ leveraging_ AI_ and other_ digital_ technologies_ to_ transform_ their_ various_ functions@_ Further;_ the_ study_ unpacks the_experiences_of_workers_engaged_with_such_platforms@ __ There_ is_ widespread_ concern_ that_ these_ technologies_ may_ displace_ or_ cause_ harm_ to_ lowR skilled_workers;_even_as_they_create_new_employment_opportunities@_That_is_why_the_study analyses_ these_ impacts_ from_ the_ lens_ of_ vocial jv|ice;_ recognising_ that_ technological deployment_must_not_only_improve_efficiency_and_scale_but_also_ promo|e fairnevv, eqi|, and digni| for orkerv @_ Our_ analysis_ draws_ on_ John_ Rawls]s_ justice_ as_ fairness_ NRawls;_ 1971O;_ using_ the_ difference principle_ to_ test_ whether_ AIRenabled_ arrangements_ improve_ the_ position_ of_ the_ least advantaged_among_gig_workers@ _ 2.2. Scope and Outcomes | PAGE 10 The_S|dű Maps |he_ ve_ of_ AI_ and_ digi|al_ |echnologiev_ acrovv_ |he_ gig_ econom_ ecovv|em; eamining_ ho_ pla|formv_ deplo_ |heve_ |oolv_ |o_ a|oma|e_ or_ agmen|_ |avkv_ acrovv_ |he ale_chain@ Assesses |he_impac|_on_orkerv;_cap|ring_bo|h_|he_objec|ie_effec|v_Nearningv;_horv; condi|ionvO_and_orkerv]_on_percep|ionv_of_|heve_|echnologiev@ Analyses findingv_ |hrogh_ a_ vocialRjv|ice_ pervpec|ie;_ focving_ on_ fairnevv;_ inclvion; capabili|Rdeelopmen|_and_orker_ellRbeing@ Provides prac|ical_ recommenda|ionv_ and_ gidance_ for_ pla|form_ companiev;_ _orkerv and_policmakerv_|o_envre_|he_revponvible_ve_of_AI_and_digi|al_|echnologiev_in_|he_gig econom@ The_v|d_emploed_a_miedRme|hodv_approach_combiningű Secondary research_|o_ev|ablivh_|he_landvcape_of_AI_and_digi|al_|echnolog_deplomen| in_ gig_ ork@_ One_ of_ |he_ a|horv_ of_ |hiv_ v|d_ ved_ |o_ ork_ a|_ an_ Indian_ gig_ ork pla|form;_and_invigh|v_from_|heve_eperiencev_hae_informed_|he_v|d@ Primary research_ i|h_ bleRcollar_ gig_ orkerv_ |hrogh_ convl|a|ionv_ and_ in|eriev_ |o cap|re_|heir_grond_reali|iev_and_percep|ionv_of_algori|hmic_managemen|@ o_To_ cap|re_ |he_ lied_ eperiencev_ of_ gig_ orkerv;_ |he_ v|d_ emploed_ vemiRv|rc|red______________ in|eriev_ i|h_ bleRcollar_ pla|form_ orkerv_ acrovv_ vericev_ vch_ av_ ridevharing;_ food_ and grocer_ delier;_ and_ home_ vericev@_ A_ giding_ qev|ionnaire_ av_ ved;_ coering_ |hemev vch_ av_ dail_ ork_ prac|icev;_ aarenevv_ and_ percep|ionv_ of_ AI;_ changev_ in_ ork_ de_ |o pla|formv_ or_ a|oma|ion;_ fairnevv_ and_ |ranvparenc_ of_ algori|hmic_ decivionv;_ income_ and job_ vecri|;_ accevv_ |o_ |raining;_ and_ orkerv]_ avpira|ionv_ for_ be||er_ pro|ec|ionv_ and condi|ionv@ o The_in|eriev_i|h_gig_orkerv_ere_condc|ed_in_pervon_Ni|h_a_fe_on_callO_in_|he_Ne DelhiFNCR_region_and_Bengalr;_alloing_revearcherv_|o_in|erac|_direc|l_i|h_orkerv_and obvere_|hem_in_|heir_orkplacev;_inclding_dark_v|orev_and_o|her_opera|ional_ve||ingv@ 2.3. Methodology | P A G E 1 1 o The vemi-v|rc|red forma| alloed for conviv|enc acrovv in|eriev hile leaing room for orkerv |o vhare |heir on narra|iev and eamplev in dep|h, inclding in |heir local langagev (Hindi / Kannada). Thiv approach envred bo|h comparabili| of revponvev and rich qali|a|ie invigh|v in|o ho AI and digi|al |echnologiev are vhaping |he reali|iev of gig ork in India. Primary research with other stakeholders inclding pla|form proiderv, indv|r leaderv, ciil vocie| ac|orv, and policmakerv |o ob|ain a holiv|ic ie. For pla|form companiev and indv|r leaderv, divcvvionv focved on |he deplomen| and ra|ionale for AI and digi|al |echnologiev, meavremen| of |heir impac|, orker o|comev (bo|h povi|ie and nega|ie), fairnevv and biav vafegardv, and f|re vkill reqiremen|v. Ciil vocie| v|akeholderv ere convl|ed on obvered orker eperiencev, adeqac of orker repreven|a|ion, principlev for e|hical |echnolog deplomen|, and pa|hav for collabora|ion |o balance innoa|ion i|h orker pro|ec|ion. The in|eriev i|h |heve v|akeholderv ere condc|ed ir|all ia ideo conferencing, av par|icipan|v ere baved acrovv differen| par|v of India. | PAGE 12 In the platform economy, workers’ interactions are consistently mediated by multiple technologies. Examining how workers perceive and respond to these technologies is essential for understanding the dynamics of gig work. Accordingly, we spoke to 16 gig workers. The following are key observations. 3. Findings from the Primary Interviews with Gig Workers Workers recognise that technology has benefited them by creating work opportunities (i.e., gig work) and making access easier. One worker (an electrician) highlighted how he was unemployed before joining the platform. He tried to get work opportunities by physically approaching potential customers, asking for work, and distributing his visiting card but in vain. He then joined a gig work platform and is now able to provide for his family and pay off his debt. While workers acknowledged the benefits of gig work, they also highlighted structural challenges in the labour market, such as unemployment and the shortage of well-paying jobs. For many workers, gig work is not the first choice but rather one of the few viable options available. One worker (driver) claimed that because of the platform, non-local drivers also get opportunities. And they drive rashly as compared to the locals. 3.1. Gig Work - Technology Creates Opportunities, But Not Always by Choice Technologies, particularly the algorithms embedded in applications (“app”), play a central role in shaping how work is organised, including task allocation, pay, and incentives. However, workers feel that their work is being con trolled not by the application itself but by humans. 3.2. Applications as the Core of Work, But Believe Decisions Are Human-Made | PAGE 13 When_ avked_ ho_ makev_ decivionv_ on_ order_ div|rib|ion;_ pa;_ and_ incen|iev;_ orkerv men|ioned_ rolev_ vch_ av_ vperivor;_ |eam_ leader;_ cen|ral_ |eam;_ v|ore_ manager;_ and een_Za_|eam_in_Bangalore[@_ Man_ orkerv_ opined_ |ha|_ hile_ decivionv_ are_ implemen|ed_ |hrogh_ |he_ app;_ |he_ are l|ima|el_decided_b_hmanv@_ Thiv_ percep|ion_ of_ an_ nveen;_ hmanRled_ con|rol_ vv|em;_ een_ hen_ decivionv_ are a|oma|ed;_ poin|v_ |o_ a_ fndamen|al_ poer_ imbalance_ |ha|_ challengev_ |he_ principle_ of v|ice_ av_ fairnevv]@_ From_ a_ Ralvian_ NRalv;_ ckicO_ pervpec|ie;_ |he_ opaci|_ of_ |he_ vv|em crea|ev_ an_ ineqali|_ here_ orkerv;_ |he_ leav|_ adan|aged_ grop_ in_ |hiv_ rela|ionvhip;_ lack |he_ informa|ion_ and_ agenc_ |o_ nderv|and_ or_ con|ev|_ decivionv_ |ha|_ direc|l_ impac|_ |heir lielihoodv@_The_lack_of_convl|a|ion_men|ioned_b_one_orker_fr|her_ndervcorev_ho_|he vv|em]v_benefi|v;_vch_av_efficienc;_accre_divpropor|iona|el_|o_|he_pla|form_ra|her_|han improing_|he_povi|ion_of_|he_orkerv_|hemvelev@ _ Workerv_ feel_ |ha|_ |here_ iv_ a_ lack_ of_ |ranvparenc_ in_ ho_ decivionv_ are_ made;_ and_ |he_ do no|_beliee_|he_app_iv_fair_in_pa_and_ork_alloca|ion@_ One_ orker_ men|ioned_ |ha|_ een_ if_ companiev_ eplained_ ho_ |he_ app_ orkv;_ orkerv old_no|_nderv|and_|he_Zalgori|hmv[_and_|he_Zma|hv[_behind_i|@ One_ orker_ men|ioned_ ho_ |he_ compan_ nila|erall_ |akev_ decivionv_ and_ doev_ no| convl|_|hem@ _ Some_orkerv_alvo_obvered_|ha|_|he_app_giev_more_ork_and_higher_pao|v_|o_|hove ho_ork_longer_horv@ Dring_ fieldork_ in_ Delhi;_ e_ obvered_ a_ v|rike_ b_ qickRcommerce_ gig_ orkerv_ ho vi|ched_ off_ |heir_ IDv_ and_ v|opped_ accep|ing_ orderv@_ The_ pro|ev|_ cen|ered_ on_ pao|vű orkerv_vaid_|heir_pa_had_been_c|_hile_ne_hirev_earned_more_for_|he_vame_ork@_Some hove_pa_av_nchanged_joined_in_volidari|@_Finall;_|he_compan_raived_pao|v_and_|he v|rike_ av_ called_ off@_ Workerv_ raived_ fairnevv_ concernv_ abo|_ |he_ app]v_ velfie_ erifica|ion@ Pla|formv_ve_|heve_checkv_|o_preen|_ID_vharing_and_confirm_niform_compliance;_b|_|he vv|em_can_be_nreliableű_one_orker_vbmi||ed_a_velfie_hile_earing_|he_compan_TRvhir| e|_ av_ penalived_ for_ no|_ earing_ i|;_ and_ ano|her_ vaid_ hiv_ friend_ vome|imev_ vev_ hiv_ ID i|ho|_|he_velfie_check_ca|ching_i|@ _ | PAGE 14 The_ pla|form_ and_ orkerv_ of|en_ differ_ in_ |heir_ no|ionv_ of_ fairnevv@_ For_ inv|ance;_ |he pla|form_ma_define_fairnevv_av_avvigning_|avkv_i|hin_a_g_km_radiv_or_recording_a_|rip_av_a la|e_v|ar|_een_if_delaed_b_onl_fie_min|ev;_hereav_orkerv_perceie_|heve_vi|a|ionv differen|l@_Av_vome_drierv_eplainedű Depending_on_vome_|raffic_ho|vpo|v_in_|he_ci|;_i|_|akev_longer_|o_reach_|he_dev|ina|ion |o_pick_p_a_cv|omer@_B|_|here_iv_no_leea_proided@ _ In_Bengalr;_coering_a_div|ance_of_eQe@g_km_b_a|o_|picall_cov|v_₹jbQkb@_Earlier; |oRheeler_N |ai]O_vericev_ere_aailable_a|_roghl_half_|ha|_price@ One_ drier_ ho_ orked_ on_ a_ Zdrierv_ for_ hire[_ pla|form_ highligh|ed_ ho_ |he_ ge| deac|ia|ed_from_|he_pla|form_if_a_cv|omer_complainv_abo|_an_acciden|;_een_hen |he_acciden|_iv_caved_b_vomeone_elve@_ZTheve_food_delier_people_drie_|heir_|o heelerv_er_ravhl[@ Thiv_divconnec|_in_percep|ionv_of_fairnevv_can_be_ieed_|hrogh_Sen]v_NckkkO_capabili| approach@_While_pla|formv_offer_|he_fleibili|_|o_ork;_|he_rigid_and_nforgiing_na|re_of |he_ algori|hmv;_ vch_ av_ penaliving_ a_ drier_ for_ a_ fieRmin|e_ dela_ in_ hea_ |raffic; conv|rainv_ a_ orkerDv_ real_ capabili|_ |o_ perform_ |heir_ job_ effec|iel_ and_ i|ho|_ v|revv@ Their_ a|onom_ iv_ limi|ed;_ and_ |heir_ abili|_ |o_ naiga|e_ realRorld_ complei|iev_ iv_ no| accon|ed_for;_|hv_redcing_|heir_freedom_|o_lead_a_life_|he_ale_hile_orking@ 3.3. Workers Engage the most with Chat Support; Need for Human Touch When_ |alking_ abo|_ |he_ applica|ion;_ all_ orkerv_ brogh|_ p_ cha|_ vppor|_ Ngrieance redrevvalO@_While_|he_applica|ion_hav_veeral_fea|rev;_i|_veemv_|ha|_orkerv_engage_mov|l i|h_cha|_vppor|@_Thiv_iv_an_impor|an|_fea|re_for_|hem@_ One_orker_remarkedű_ZWhen_e are_o|_for_delieriev;_i|]v_onl_|he_cha|_vppor|_|ha|_iv_|here_|o_help_v@[_ Cha|_vppor|_orkv_ell_for_|imeRvenvi|ie_ivvev_|ha|_arive_dring_gigv_Nvch_av_cancelling ridevForderv_ or_ con|ac|ing_ cv|omervO@_ Hoeer;_ for_ o|her_ ivvev_ rela|ed_ |o_ pao|v; incen|iev;_ penal|iev;_ and_ ID_ deac|ia|ionv_ R_ orkerv_ feel_ |ha|_ |he_ vv|em_ hav_ problemv@ Theve_ incldeű_ NaO_ abvence_ of_ |imeRbond_ revol|ion_ of_ complain|v;_ NbO_ inadeqa|e revol|ionv;_or_NcO_no_jv|ifica|ion_proided_for_cer|ain_decivionv@ | PAGE 15 The_vhif|_ |o_ a|oma|ed_ and_ inadeqa|e_ grieance_ redrevval_ vv|emv;_vch_ av_ cha|bo|v_|ha| fail_ |o_ nderv|and_ comple_ ivvev;_ iv_ a_ clear_ eample_ of_ ha|_ Gal|ng_ NckhkO_ old_ |erm |rc|ral_ iolence]@_ Thiv_ v|rc|re_ preen|v_ orkerv_ from_ mee|ing_ |heir_ bavic_ need_ for vecri|_ and_ digni|_ b_ dening_ |hem_ a_ meaningfl_ a_ |o_ revole_ cri|ical_ ivvev_ like_ pa divp|ev_or_nfair_deac|ia|ionv@_Thiv_crea|ev_a_v|a|e_of_perpe|al_invecri|;_here_orkerv are_ lnerable_ |o_ algori|hmic_ errorv_ or_ biavev_ i|ho|_ an_ effec|ie_ recorve;_ embedding harm_in|o_|he_opera|ional_devign_of_|he_pla|form_i|velf@ A_ recrring_ ivve_ raived_ b_ orkerv_ av_ |he_ op|ion_ |o_ |alk_ |o_ an_ eec|ie@_ Workerv men|ioned_ |ha|_ |he_ raive_ a_ |icke|_ and_ |hen_ ge|_ a_ call_ from_ |he_ vppor|_ |eam;_ hile_ onl vome_pla|formv_allo_direc|_callv@_ One_ orker_ recon|ed_ |ha|_ |he_ pla|form_ he_ preiovl_ orked_ for_ had_ in|egra|ed_ a cha|bo|_ in|o_ i|v_ cv|omer_ vppor|_ vv|em@_ He_ vaidű_ ZThe_ cha|bo|_ doev_ no|_ liv|en_ |o_ or nderv|and_or_ivvev@_I|_onl_revpondv_baved_on_|he_da|a_fed_in|o_i|@[ _ Workerv_ recommended_ |ha|_ |he_ vhold_ be_ able_ |o_ call_ |he_ vppor|_ |eam_ and_ vpeak direc|l_|o_a_hman_revorce_and_|here_vhold_be_|imeRbond_revol|ion_of_complain|v@ 3.4. Make Hybrid / Online Training More Engaging Gien_|ha|_mov|_fnc|ionv_are_performed_|hrogh_|he_applica|ion;_pla|formv_proide_online |raining_|o_orkerv_coering_|opicv_like_app_vage;_grieance_redrevval;_pla|form_gidelinev; and_code_of_condc|@_ Almov|_ all_ orkerv_ men|ioned_ |ha|_ |he_ had_ a|ched_ |heve_ |raining_ ideov_ hile onboarding@_Onl_a_fe_vaid_|he_had_no|_veen_vch_ideov@_ One_ orker_ vaid_ he_ had_ no|_ receied_ an_ |raining@_ When_ avked_ if_ he_ had_ veen_ |he |raining_ ideov;_ he_ vaid;_ ZYev[;_ and_ addedű_ ZTraining_ vhold_ be_ in_ pervon_ and_ no| online@[ Mov|_ orkerv_ feel_ |ha|_ companiev_ vhold_ offer_ inRpervon_ |raining_ for_ orkerv_ dring onboarding@_ A_ fe_ vaid_ companiev_ cold_ make_ |heir_ online_ |raining_ con|en|_ more engaging@ One_orker;_hen_avked_|o_devcribe_|he_fea|rev_in_|he_app_he_doevn]|_ve;_men|ioned |he_ |raining_ ideov_ |ab@_ Theve_ companiev_ crea|e_ con|en|_ and_ make_ i|_ aailable_ for orkerv;_b|_|he_con|en|_av_neer_ved@ O|her_|abv_no|_veen_inclde_|he_anal|icv_davhboard_of_|he_orker]v_opera|ional_da|a_R he_ had_ neer_ veen_ |he_ |abv_ proiding_ ariov_ repor|v_ on_ parame|erv_ like_ accep|ance ra|ev_and_onR|ime_gig_comple|ionv@ | PAGE 16 On_the_effectiveness_of_online_training_videos;_most_workers_said_they_are_not_effective_for firstRtimers_ or_ digitally_ illiterate_ workers@_ These_ workers_ often_ struggle_ to_ understand_ the workflow_ and_ functioning_ of_ the_ application_ and_ rely_ more_ on_ experienced_ workers_ for support_during_their_initial_weeks@ _ 3.5. AI: Workers Are Unaware, But Have Opinions We_ asked_ workers_ whether_ they_ were_ familiar_ with_ AI@_ Most_ said_ no;_ though_ some_ had heard_of_it_without_knowing_if_companies_actually_use_it@ _ One_worker_remarked_R_ZI_have_heard_of_AI_but_the_company_does_not_use_it@[_ One_worker_suggested_that_companies_should_use_AI_to_optimise_order_allocation@_He explained_that_he_often_gets_orders_in_the_opposite_direction_of_where_he_is_going_and would_prefer_AI_to_allocate_orders_along_his_route_or_nearby@_He_remarked;ZAll_future jobs_will_be_AI_related_so_people_who_do_an_AI_course_should_be_secured@[ One_ worker_ mentioned_ ZTesla_ and_ automatic_ driving[_ as_ an_ example_ of_ AI@_ But_ when asked_if_he_has_ever_used_AI;_he_said;_ZNo@[_He_also_felt_there_was_no_AI_in_the_app_he used@_ When_ asked_ if_ technology_ or_ AI_ could_ replace_ their_ work;_ most_ workers_ said_ no@_ Their reasons_included: Machines_ cannot_ handle_ infrastructural_ issues_ such_ as_ potholes_ or_ electric_ wires@ However;_one_worker_said_that_drones_will_be_able_to_effectively_navigate_such_issues_as it_will_be_controlled_by_a_human@_ Customers_want_doorstep_delivery;_and_machines_cannot_climb_stairs@ If_machines_replace_workers;_there_may_be_largeRscale_protests_opposing_automation@ Some_workers_mentioned_having_seen_videos_of_drones_making_food_or_grocery_deliveries but_were_unsure_if_those_were_real_or_fake@_ Talking_ about_ humans_ getting_ replaced_ with_ machines;_ one_ worker_ remarked;_ [All technology_ and_ innovation_ is_ done_ by_ humans_ so_ no_ matter_ how_ much_ technology advances;_humans_will_always_play_a_critical_role@[ | PAGE 17 During our discussions about automation in dark stores, a store-level executive said that while robots could replace human workers, he would not prefer it. He explained that if machines break down, it may take two to three days to fix them, during which store operations would stop. He added that unlike humans, machines cannot be pushed to work faster or more efficiently. We also heard that automation in dark stores is difficult due to their varying sizes across the country. It will be difficult to standardise the size of machines, the layout and processes across stores. On the same issue of automation, a worker (who used to work in a dark store) mentioned that machines are not as fast as humans in picking and packing items. Machines aren’t instinctive; they won’t be able to think on the spot. He gave an example - if a machine does not find an item in its designated spot, it won’t know what to do whereas a human worker will look around or ask someone and get the item. | PAGE 18 The_ proliferation_ of_ gig_ work_ platforms_ and_ AI_ has_ profoundly_ reshaped_ IndiaDs_ labour market;_particularly_in_the_blue_collar_workforce@_This_technological_wave_presents_a_dual reality:_on_one_hand;_it_has_unlocked_unprecedented_efficiencies_and_created_new_avenues for_ employmentE_ on_ the_ other;_ it_ has_ introduced_ complex_ challenges_ related_ to_ worker rights_ and_ welfare@_ For_ gig_ work_ platforms;_ the_ primary_ drivers_ for_ adopting_ these technologies_are_clearly_articulated_as_cost_reduction_and_increased_efficiency@_For_workers; however;_the_oftenRsubtle_distinction_between_digital_technology_and_AI_is_irrelevantE_it_is simply_the_new_reality_of_their_work;_mediated_entirely_through_a_smartphone_app@ We_spoke_to_21_platform_executives;_business_leaders_and_worker_advocates_from_the_civil society@_Insights_gathered_from_them_highlight_the_following_themes:_iO_the_digitisation_of recruitment_ and_ onboarding;_ iiO_ the_ rise_ of_ algorithmic_ management_ Q_ work_ allocation; performance_ management;_ wage_ determination;_ iiiO_ the_ state_ of_ grievance_ redressal_ and worker_safety;_and_ivO_the_evolving_regulatory_framework_designed_to_govern_this_new_world of_work@ 4. Findings from the Primary Interviews with Other Stakeholders Conversations_with_stakeholders_revealed_that_recruiting_blueRcollar_workers_continues_to be_ a_ significant_ challenge_ due_ to_ three_ main_ factors:_ iO_ high_ attrition_ ratesE_ iiO_ limited channels_for_companies_and_workers_to_connectE_and_iiiO_the_inability_of_thirdRparty_hiring agencies_to_consisten tly_identify_suitable_candidates@ The_business_leaders_noted_that_technology_is_increasingly_helping_companies_address_these challenges@_Platforms_often_outsource_recruitment_while_also_encouraging_workers_to_selfR onboard_through_direct_advertisement_Nsee_Figures_1__2O_or_refer_peers@ 4.1. The Digitisation of Recruitment and Onboarding | PAGE 19 TechRDriven_Recruitment_Improves_Access Onboarding Workerv_ |oda_ can_ onboard_ |hemvelev_ on|o_ digi|al_ pla|formv_ i|h_ eave_ and_ a|_ minimal pfron|_cov|;_making_gig_ork_highl_accevvible@_Tpical_reqiremen|v_incldeű_minimm age_eligibili|;_a_vmar|phone_mee|ing_bavic_vpecifica|ionv;_a_|oRheeler_or_forRheeler complian|_i|h_legal_and_vafe|_normv_Nfor_mobili|_or_delier_orkO;_and_alid_goernmen|R ivved_ docmen|v_ Ne@g@;_ driing_ licence;_ regiv|ra|ion_ and_ invrance_ cer|ifica|ev;_ proof_ of addrevv;_PAN_card;_and_bank_accon|_de|ailvO@_Verifica|ion_of_docmen|v_and_pamen|_of onboarding_feev_N|o_coer _docmen|_erifica|ion_and_v|ar|er_ki|v_vch_av_delier_bagv_or niformvO_ are_ generall_ comple|ed_ online@_ Mov|_ pla|formv_ alvo_ delier_ |raining_ digi|all; coering_ |opicv_ vch_ av_ ho_ |o_ ve_ |he_ applica|ion;_ pla|form_ gidelinev;_ and_ grieance redrevval_mechanivmv@_ Recruitment Tradi|ional_ hiring_ procevvev;_ of|en_ vlo_ and_ localived;_ are_ no_ being_ |ranvformed_ b |echnologRdrien_vv|emv;_inoling_da|a_anal|icv_and_genera|ie_AI_NGenAIO@_One_of_|he in|erieeev_v|a|ed_|ha|_a_compan_av_ving_|arge|ed_vocial_media_ader|iving_|o_reach po|en|ial_candida|ev;_collec|_|heir_de|ailv;_and_een_genera|e_revmev_ving_GenAI@_AI_|oolv are_alvo_emploed_|o_|ailor_CVv_according_|o_job_reqiremen|v@ Figure_1__2:_Advertisements_on_YouTube_for_gig_work | PAGE 20 For pla|form companiev facing high |rnoer, digi|al recri|men| addrevvev opera|ional challengev b vcaling hiring and redcing onboarding |imev, from veeral dav |o jv| a fe horv. Av one in|eriee obvered, orkerv are eager |o v|ar| earning immedia|el, and accelera|ed onboarding mee|v |hiv rgen| need. A ke benefi| of |ech-enabled recri|men| iv |ha| orkerv don’| need |o mivv ork and love agev |o a||end in-pervon in|eriev and o|her procevvev. Technolog iv alvo being leeraged |o promo|e inclvion. Eamplev inclde vpeech-|o-|e| vv|emv |o avviv| orkerv i|h lo li|erac and ideo-baved job devcrip|ionv |o improe comprehenvion. Een i|h |heve adancemen|v, |echnolog remainv more effec|ie a| eala|ing objec|ie cri|eria, vch av he|her a orker hav a bank accon| or goernmen| ID, |han vbjec|ie qali|iev like mo|ia|ion, a||i|de, or reliabili|. To addrevv |hiv, vome companiev are eperimen|ing i|h AI-drien in|eriev |ha| avvevv |he candida|e’v behaior and genera|e candida|e vcorev. Thogh |he earl revl|v ere promiving, qev|ionv abo| accrac remain |o be addrevved. Hoeer, for eer gap i| bridgev, |echnolog can crea|e ne barrierv. Lo digi|al li|erac among orkerv leadv |o high drop-off ra|ev hen naiga|ing comple HR procevvev/ pla|formv, evpeciall av i| forcev orkerv |o learn ne vv|emv. Fr|her, hile |echnolog increavev efficienc, i| comev a| |he cov| of “hman |och”. The abvence of in-pervon in|erac|ionv makev i| harder |o erif in|angible qali|iev vch av in|en|, commnica|ion vkillv, or long-|erm reliabili|. Thiv gap in “vof| erifica|ion” con|rib|ev |o |he er a||ri|ion problem pla|formv are |ring |o vole. Ano|her ke challenge in gig econom recri|men| in India iv |he role of in|ermediariev, par|iclarl in vorcing orkerv from rral areav. Invigh|v from v|akeholderv indica|e |ha| |heve middlemen of|en fnc|ion i|h li||le oervigh|, charging naccon|ed feev or mivrepreven|ing |he na|re of |he job. Technolog alone canno| vole |heve deep- roo|ed prac|icev i|ho| coordina|ed effor|v in digi|al li|erac and |rv|-bilding. | PAGE 21 Toda;_all_digi|al_pla|formv_P_regardlevv_of_hich_vec|or_|he_opera|e_in_Nhome_vericev; food_ delier;_ ride_ vharing;_ e|cO_ P_ leerage_ |echRbaved_ vol|ionv_ |o_ carr_ o|_ |heir opera|ionv_a|_vcale;_i|h_AI_and_da|a_vcience_modelv_being_embedded_in|o_core_opera|ional procevvev@_In_gig_ork;_algori|hmic_managemen|_iv_|picall_defined_b_fie_ke_fea|revű_NaO con|inov_moni|oring_of_orkerv]_ac|ii|iev;_NbO_ongoing_avvevvmen|_of_|heir_performance; NcO_ a|oma|ic_ implemen|a|ion_ of_ decivionv;_ NdO_ in|erac|ionv_ i|h_ a_ vv|em_ inv|ead_ of_ a hman;_and_NeO_lo_|ranvparenc_NMohlmann__Zalmanvon;_dbciO@_Thiv_Calgori|hmic_bovvC oerveev_and_managev_ke_emploer_fnc|ionv_P_from_recri|men|_|o_dail_performance managemen|_NAdamvRPravvl;_dbckO@ Work Allocation Work_alloca|ion;_i@e@;_ho_gig_orkerv_are_alloca|ed_|avkv_on_|he_pla|form;_and_|he_agev_of orkerv_are_drien_b_algori|hmv@_Sch_algori|hmic_managemen|_hav_democra|ived_accevv |o_ ork;_ crea|ing_ a_ hperRefficien|_ marke|place@_ Underling_ |heve_ vv|emv_ are_ bvinevv rlev_|ha|_veek_|o_main|ain_vpplRdemand_eqilibrim@_The_goal_iv_|o_deplo_|he_op|imal nmber_of_orkerv_baved_on_realR|ime_and_hiv|orical_condi|ionv_|hrogh_comple_geovpa|ial and_predic|ie_anal|icv@ Dring_ peak_ horv_ or_ fev|ie_ veavonv;_ companiev_ offer_ |arge|ed_ incen|iev_ |o_ encorage orkerv_|o_log_in_and_mee|_increaved_demand@_Some_pla|formv_een_ve_algori|hmv_av_a vafe|_fea|re;_av_no|ed_b_one_v|akeholder;_a|oma|icall_logging_drierv_off_af|er_a_ve| nmber_of_horv_|o_preen|_fa|ige@_Thiv_demonv|ra|ev_|echnologDv_capaci|_|o_enhance orker_ellRbeing_hen_devigned_i|h_|ha|_in|en|@ On_ |he_ o|her_ hand;_ |hiv_ vame_ vv|em_ iv_ idel_ perceied_ av_ an_ opaqe_ and_ nforgiing digi|al_|avkmav|er;_capable_of_ha|_vome_call_Calgori|hmic_crel|[@_One_prac|ice_ci|ed_av |he_vloing_don_of_order_alloca|ion_jv|_av_a_orker_approachev_an_incen|ie_|hrevhold;_a |ac|ic_|ha|_orkerv_perceie_av_delibera|el_preen|ing_|hem_from_reaching_|heir_goalv@_One in|eriee_ highligh|ed_ |ha|_ orkerv_ freqen|l_ raive_ concernv_ abo|_ nel_ onboarded orkerv_receiing_more_orderv_and_be||er_pa_compared_|o_eperienced_orkerv_on_|he pla|form@ 4.2. The Rise of Algorithmic Management – Work Allocation, Performance Management, Wage Determination | P A G E 2 2 Thiv prac|ice of algori|hmic crel| direc|l con|raenev |he Ralvian (Ralv,ckic) difference principle, hich v|a|ev |ha| ineqali|iev are onl jv| if |he benefi| |he leav| adan|aged. Here, |he algori|hmic ineqali| i.e., |he pla|form'v vperior knoledge and con|rol, iv eploi|ed in av |ha| affec| orkerv from achieing |heir goalv, deepening |heir financial precari| inv|ead of improing |heir condi|ionv. The ve of da|a b |heve pla|formv goev beond orker managemen| |o inclde v|ra|egic decivionv vch av v|ore placemen|. While da|a-drien modelv |picall gide vi|e velec|ion, in prac|ice, vome dark v|orev are ev|ablivhed for o|her reavonv. For inv|ance, one in|eriee no|ed |ha| a qick commerce compan ve| p dark v|orev on |he o|vkir|v of Delhi repor|edl |o mee| compan |arge|v. Performance Management The performance of orkerv on |he pla|form alvo con|rib|ev |o |hiv algori|hmic decivion- making procevv. Performance parame|erv inclde login-logo| conviv|enc, cv|omer ra|ingv, complain|v (evpeciall delav and delier-rela|ed ivvev), order accep|ance ra|e, and |rael efficienc. Pla|formv ve comp|er ivion and loca|ion |racking |o de|ec| and preen| frad hile envring compliance and vafe|. For eample, vome orkerv ma vhare |heir login creden|ialv i|h o|herv |o ork on |heir behalf. To con|er |hiv, pla|formv condc| periodic velfie checkv |o erif |ha| |he regiv|ered orker iv |he one comple|ing |avkv, and |o confirm |ha| |he manda|ed niform iv being orn. Loca|ion |racking fr|her vppor|v moni|oring b alida|ing orker prevence a| pick-p and delier poin|v, op|imiving ro|ev, and |racking |avk comple|ion. In ride-hailing, GPS da|a iv alvo ved |o moni|or vpeed compliance and enhance pavvenger vafe|. Conervel, prac|icev vch av con|inov loca|ion |racking (een hen |he orker’v app iv |rned off, and i|ho| |he conven| of |he orkerv), accevving |he deice ac|ii| of orkerv |o vee ha| o|her gig ork appv |he are ving, and recording callv made |hrogh |he pla|form can crea|e a venve of ecevvie digi|al vreillance for orkerv. The granlar con|rol iv fr|her eemplified b a|oma|ed performance managemen| vv|emv |ha| can |rigger |ermina|ion af|er a ve| nmber of infrac|ionv, i|h no clear procevv for appeal or hman inqir. | PAGE 23 One_ in|eriee_ no|ed_ |ha|_ orkerv]_ IDv_ are_ vome|imev_ deac|ia|ed;_ occavionall_ een permanen|l;_ i|ho|_ an_ eplana|ion@_ The_ added_ |ha|_ in_ vome_ cavev;_ pla|formv_ hae deac|ia|ed_ IDv_ af|er_ orkerv_ raived_ concernv_ or_ par|icipa|ed_ in_ pro|ev|v_ abo|_ |heir orking_condi|ionv@ The_ ve_ of_ conv|an|_ vreillance_ and_ |he_ |hrea|_ of_ deac|ia|ion_ i|ho|_ a_ fair_ procevv veerel_limi|v_ha|_Sen_NckkkO_callv_orker_Dcapabili|]@_While_orkerv_|echnicall_hae_|he freedom_ |o_ choove_ |heir_ horv;_ |hiv_ a|onom_ iv_ ndermined_ b_ a_ vv|em_ of_ con|rol_ |ha| limi|v_ |heir_ abili|_ |o_ con|ev|_ nfair_ ra|ingv_ or_ eercive_ |heir_ oice_ i|ho|_ fear_ of_ reprival@ Thiv_lack_of_genine_agenc_and_|he_conv|an|_moni|oring_rev|ric|v_|heir_freedom_|o_fnc|ion effec|iel_and_i|h_digni|_in_|heir_ork_enironmen|@ _ HmanQTechnolog_Collabora|ion_in_Warehovev In_ |he_ eRcommerce_ and_ qick_ commerce_ indv|r;_ arehovev_ form_ |he_ backbone_ of opera|ionv@_ The_ ac|_ av_ collec|ion_ cen|rev_ here_ goodv_ from_ re|ailerv;_ farmerv;_ and holevalerv_ are_ v|ored_ before_ being_ divpa|ched@_ Qick_ commerce_ |picall_ reliev_ on_ |o laerv_ of_ arehovingű_ |he_ mo|her_ arehove_ and_ |he_ dark_ v|ore@_ Dark_ v|orev_ are_ miniR arehovev_loca|ed_clove_|o_cv|omerv;_enabling_l|raRfav|_delieriev_in_jv|_a_fe_min|ev Nvee_Figre_eO@ Figre_eű_Flo_of_goodv_in_qick_commerce_ | PAGE 24 Bo|h_arehovev_and_dark_v|orev_are_poered_b_a_mi_of_hman_effor|_and_|echnolog@ Companiev_ve_da|aRdrien_modelv_|o_predic|_demand;_op|imive_delier_ro|ev;_and_devign v|ore_ lao|v@_ For_ inv|ance;_ |he_ place_ highRfreqenc_ i|emv_ near_ divpa|ch_ con|erv_ for qicker_accevv@_Workerv_in_dark_v|orev_ve_handheld_deicev_|ha|_gide_|hem_|o_|he_righ| vhelev_for_picking_and_packing@_Since_order_picking_iv_|he_mov|_laborRin|envie_and_cov|l par|_ of_ arehove_ opera|ionv;_ redcing_ |rael_ |ime_ iv_ a_ ke_ focv;_ evpeciall_ in_ qick commerce;_here_vpeed_iv_cri|ical_NPan__W;_dbcdO@_Theve_deicev_alvo_allo_companiev |o_|rack_|he_|ime_orkerv_vpend_on_each_|avk@ Beond_ handheld_ deicev;_ arehovev_ increavingl_ ve_ |oolv_ like_ coneor_ bel|v_ and comp|er_ ivion_ vv|emv@_ One_ v|akeholder_ eec|ie_ eplained_ ho_ comp|er_ ivion_ iv applied_for_defec|_de|ec|ionű_orderv_prone_|o_breakage;_vch_av_eggv;_are_vcanned_before packing@_ The_ vv|em_ flagv_ complain|v_ or_ po|en|ial_ ivvev;_ hich_ are_ |hen_ alida|ed_ b camerav@_Hoeer;_|he_v|akeholder_no|ed_|ha|_|he_|echnolog_iv_levv_effec|ie_for_prodc|v like_fri|v_and_ege|ablev;_here_defec|v_are_harder_|o_de|ec|@ An_in|eriee_|alking_in_|he_con|e|_of_eRcommerce_highligh|ed_|ha|_a|oma|ion;_ranging from_robo|ic_armv_|o_coneor_bel|v;_hav_been_in|rodced_|o_vppor|_orkerv;_par|iclarl in_challenging_condi|ionv_vch_av_e|reme_hea|@_Ye|;_|heve_|echnologiev_alvo_impove_a_high degree_of_con|rol@_Tavk_alloca|ion;_|arge|v;_moni|oring;_and_een_penal|iev_are_dic|a|ed_b a|oma|ed_vv|emv@_Alvo;_|heve_vv|emv_of|en_fail_|o_adap|_|o_realRorld_condi|ionv@_For eample;_|he_|ime_gien_|o_comple|e_|avkv_doev_no|_change_dring_periodv_of_in|enve_hea| or_hea_rain@The_in|eriee_devcribed_a_vv|em_a|_a_compan_|ha|_repor|edl_con|ined |o_ enforce_ performance_ |arge|v_ een_ hen_ |he_ arehove_ av_ flooded;_ illv|ra|ing_ a profond_and_dangerov_divconnec|_from_hman_reali|iev@_Av_a_revl|;_orkerv_face_|he_rivk of_ge||ing_penalived_for_delav_|ha|_are_o|vide_of_|heir_con|rol@ Wages and Incentives Determination Compenva|ion_in_|he_gig_econom_iv_a_major_poin|_of_con|en|ion;_charac|erived_b_a_mi_of realR|ime_ivibili|_and_opaci|@_On_|he_povi|ie_vide;_vome_pla|formv_proide_orkerv_a_realR |ime_ie_of_|heir_earningv@_Thiv_iv_|o_empoer_|hem_b_vhoing_eac|l_ho_mch_|he hae_earned_a|_an_gien_momen|;_inclding_incen|iev_dring_demand_vrgev_or_in_aderve ea|her_condi|ionv@ _ | PAGE 25 One v|akeholder remarked |ha| |he compe|i|ie na|re of |he marke| i|velf enforcev a degree of |ranvp arenc – if a pla|form doev no| pa fairl or clearl, orkerv, ho of|en ork on ml|iple pla|formv, ill vimpl leae for a be||er offer. In addi|ion |o mone|ar benefi|v, companiev proide perkv vch av acciden| and medical invrance, along i|h vkill deelopmen| programmev for orkerv and |heir children. Conervel, man in|erieeev opined |ha| orkerv eperience a vv|em here |he breakdon of |heir agev iv difficl|, if no| impovvible, |o nderv|and, and here pa v|rc|rev are de|ermined nila|erall b |he pla|form. The ve of comple modelv and UI/UX in|erface can vere |o “income obfvca|ion”, making i| hard for orkerv |o erif |heir pa or nderv|and h i| flc|a|ev. Ra|e cardv can change i|ho| no|ice, and earningv are of|en dependen| on a arie| of fac|orv, inclding performance of orkerv, |he |pe of ehicle ved and flc|a|ing vrge pricing algori|hmv. Fr|hermore, orkerv can be vbjec|ed |o veere and arbi|rar penal|iev |ha| can cripple |heir income. In one v|ark eample vhared b an in|eriee, a food delier orker av penalived Rv. e,dbb folloing a vingle cv|omer complain|, a vm |ha| cold repreven| a vignifican| por|ion of |heir eekl income. A vre on food delier orkerv and cab drierv in velec| Indian ci|iev fond |ha| hj% cab drierv faced neplained and arbi|rar dedc|ionv |hrogh compan algori|hmv (PAIGAM, Uniervi| of Pennvlania, dbdf). Thiv lack of clari|, copled i|h |he rivk of vbv|an|ial and vdden dedc|ionv, crea|ev a precariov financial eiv|ence for man, ndermining |he er v|abili| |ha| gig ork promivev |o proide. The combina|ion of income obfvca|ion and arbi|rar penal|iev iv ano|her form of v|rc|ral iolence, here |he vv|em i|velf inflic|v financial and pvchological harm. Jv| av |he inadeqa|e grieance vv|emv crea|e procedral invecri|, |he opaci| of age calcla|ionv preen|v orkerv from mee|ing |heir bavic needv reliabl. Thiv v|rc|ral lnerabili| iv componded b |he legal gre area arond liabili|, leaing orkerv |o bear |he rivkv of |he vv|em i|ho| adeqa|e pro|ec|ion or a vafe| ne|. | PAGE 26 Grieance_redrevval_iv_a_cri|ical_par|_of_pla|form_opera|ionv;_affec|ing_bo|h_cv|omerv_and orkerv@_Av_or_in|erieeev_no|ed;_pov|RCOVIDRck;_pla|formv_are_increavingl_reling_on cha|bo|v_for_handling_grieancev@_For_orkerv;_|hiv_repreven|v_a_vignifican|_vhif|@_Preiovl; |he_cold_approach_local_compan_repreven|a|iev_for_vppor|;_and_onRgrond_v|aff_of|en ivi|ed_|hem_|o_revole_ivvev@ _ Af|er_ COVID;_ hoeer;_ |he_ nmber_ of_ vch_ pervonnel_ av_ vharpl_ redced;_ leaing cha|bo|v_ av_ |he_ primar_ channel_ for_ complain|v@_ Av_ one_ v|akeholder_ no|ed;_ |he_ rive_ of |echnolog_in_grieance_redrevval_hav_come_a|_|he_cov|_of_hman_in|erac|ion;_eakening_|he direc|_vppor|_ne|orkv_orkerv_once_relied_pon@ The_ vhif|_ |o_ |echnologRmedia|ed_ ork_ hav_ lef|_ man_ orkerv_ feeling_ oicelevv_ and divempoered@_Some_of_or_in|erieeev_remarked_|ha|_hen_a_decivion_iv_made_againv|_a orker;_|here_iv_Cno_vcope_for_na|ral_jv|iceC_or_a_formal_inqir_procevv@_Commnica|ion channelv_|ha|_do_eiv|;_vch_av_Wha|vApp_gropv;_are_of|en_con|rolled_b_managemen|;_and av_one_in|eriee_poin|ed_o|;_a_orker_can_be_remoed_for_raiving_a_complain|;_effec|iel vilencing_|hem_and_c||ing_|hem_off_from_|heir_peerv@_The_increaving_reliance_on_cha|bo|v for_grieance_redrevval_crea|ev_an_impene|rable_all_for_orkerv_facing_comple_ivvev_like nfair_pa_dedc|ionv_or_arbi|rar_accon|_vvpenvion@ On_|he_povi|ie_vide;_v|akeholderv_men|ioned_|ha|_|echnolog_hav_alvo_been_ved_|o_vppor| orker_elfare_Q_for_eample;_|he_a|oma|ed_logRoff_fea|re_for_fa|iged_drierv;_hich_ac|v av_an_impor|an|_vafe|_meavre@_O|her_meavrev_for_orker_vafe|_inclde_an_SOS_b||on on_ |he_ app_ for_ an_ emergenc_ vppor|_ and_ dedica|ed_ omenRonl_ helpline_ for_ vafe|@ Hoeer;_ broader_ qev|ionv_ arond_ elfare_ remain_ nrevoled;_ par|iclarl_ regarding liabili|_in_|he_een|_of_an_acciden|@ _ Av_one_revponden|_p|_i|ű_Who_iv_revponvible_Q_|he_pla|form;_|he_orker;_or_vomeone_elveA Thiv_legal_gre_area_con|inev_|o_leae_orkerv_in_a_lnerable_v|a|e@_Man_in|erieeev v|revved_ |he_ need_ for_ a_ grieance_ redrevval_ vv|em_ i|h_ ml|iple_ leelv;_ here_ comple ivvev_can_be_evcala|ed_|o_a_hman_agen|_inv|ead_of_being_handled_onl_b_cha|bo|v@_The alvo_ called_ for_ reglar_ vocial_ dialoge;_ vo_ |ha|_ orkerv_ hae_ a_ formal_ vpace_ |o_ raive concernv_and_|ake_par|_in_decivionv_|ha|_affec|_|heir_orking_condi|ionv@ 4.3. Grievance Redressal and Worker Safety | PAGE 27 A vignifican| mivma|ch eiv|v be|een |he na|re of gig ork in |he dcv|-cen|r and |he db|h-cen|r labor la and vocial vecri|. The crren| regla|or landvcape ma be fragmen|ed and inadeqa|e |o addrevv |he niqe challengev of |he pla|form econom. Av a v|akeholder poin|ed o|, eiv|ing Miniv|r of Tranvpor| gidelinev are |ailored for ride- hailing and offer li||le pro|ec|ion for |he av| and groing food and grocer delier orkforce. While mov| revponden|v acknoledged |ha| The Code on Social Secri| (dbdb) iv a povi|ie v|ep in recogniving gig and pla|form orkerv, i| hav no| e| been implemen|ed and onl limi|ed proivionv hae been no|ified (AZB & Par|nerv, dbde). S|a|e goernmen|v hae begn in|rodcing polic meavrev |o addrevv concernv arond algori|hmic managemen|. Ne regla|ionv are primaril focved on manda|ing |ranvparenc and eplainabili| in ho |heve algori|hmv fnc|ion, evpeciall in cri|ical areav like |avk alloca|ion, age de|ermina|ion, dedc|ionv, and ID deac|ia|ionv. Karna|aka recen|l enac|ed a gig ork la reqiring pla|formv |o eplain, in clear and accevvible langage (Kannada, Englivh, or an Eigh|h Schedle langage), ho orkerv can accevv informa|ion abo| a|oma|ed vv|emv |ha| affec| |heir ork. Beond |ranvparenc, a ke regla|or pvh iv for |he righ| |o a hman reie of a|oma|ed decivionv. The In|erna|ional Labor Organia|ion (dbdf, dbdg), for inv|ance, hav revoled |ha| orkerv vhold hae |he righ| |o reqev| hman in|eren|ion in high-v|akev cavev vch av pamen| refval, vvpenvion, or |ermina|ion of |heir accon|v. Ano|her cri|ical |ech-rela|ed area for regla|ion inolev |he pro|ec|ion of orker da|a righ|v. S|akeholderv hae raived vignifican| concernv abo| |he vcope of da|a collec|ion, i|h inv|ancev of pla|formv |racking orkerv' loca|ionv hile |he are off-d| or een accevving deice ac|ii| |o moni|or |he ve of compe|i|or appv, of|en i|ho| clear conven|. 4.4. Evolving Regulatory Framework | PAGE 28 Naiga|ing_ |he_ f|re_ of_ |he_ gig_ econom_ reqirev_ a_ delica|e_ and_ v|ra|egic_ balance@_ The fledgling_indv|r_iv_projec|ed_|o_epand_|o_d@eg_crore_orkerv_b_dbdkReb_NNITI_Aaog; dbddO_ and_ hav_ |he_ po|en|ial_ |o_ add_ c@dg_ |o_ IndiaDv_ GDP_ NBov|on_ Convl|ing_ Grop_ Michael_ _ Svan_ Dell_ Fonda|ion;_ dbdcO@_ A_ prden|_ approach_ iv_ reqired;_ av_ oerl v|ringen|_ policiev_ rivk_ v|ifling_ |he_ gig_ economDv_ i|al_ con|rib|ionv_ |o_ gro|h_ and emplomen|@_Hoeer;_failing_|o_addrevv_|he_fndamen|al_v|rc|ral_challengev_confron|ing i|v_orkforce_old_be_a_vignifican|_oervigh|_|ha|_cold_ndermine_|he_vec|orDv_vv|ainable deelopmen|_ and_ orker_ righ|v@_ The_ pa|h_ forard_ demandv_ a_ concer|ed_ effor|_ from_ all v|akeholderv_ in_ bilding_ an_ ecovv|em_ |ha|_ harnevvev_ |he_ poer_ of_ innoa|ion_ hile ev|ablivhing_robv|_regla|or_gardrailv;_|ranvparen|_prac|icev;_and_comprehenvie_vocial pro|ec|ionv_for_i|v_mov|_i|al_avve|ű_i|v_gig_orkerv@ We_hae_choven_|he_|erm_CAlgori|hmicRHman_ManagerC_i|h_in|en|ű_i|_namev_|he_lied reali|_of_India]v_gig_orkerv_and_|he_pragma|ic_f|re_e_adoca|e@_Work_ma_be_ro|ed_b code;_b|_orkerv_eperience_decivionv_av_hman;_and_|he_an|_|ha|_hman_|och_hen v|akev_ are_ high@_ The_ phrave_ reframev_ |he_ deba|e_ from_ Zalgori|hmv_ ervv_ people[_ |o Calgori|hmv_i|h_peopleCű_|ranvparen|_modelv_|ha|_eplain_pa_and_|avking;_copled_i|h |imeRbond_hman_reieE_cha|bo|_|riage;_backed_b_accon|able_evcala|ionE_par|icipa|or devign_ i|h_ orkervE_ and_ DPIRv|le_ railv_ |o_ por|_ iden|i|;_ rep|a|ion;_ and_ benefi|v@_ I| propovev_a_middle_pa|h_|o_goernance_and_regla|ion_here_hman_jdgmen|;_digni|;_and de_ procevv_ v|eer_ a|oma|ed_ vv|emv_ |oard_ fairnevv@_ If_ India_ bildv_ for_ |hiv_ hbrid manager;_|he_gig_econom_can_be_efficien|_and_jv|;_crea|ing_oppor|ni|_and_elfare@ _ 5@_Discussions_and_Recommendations Data_ gigs_ Ecosystem:_Orchev|ra|e_ a_ coali|ion_ of_ par|nerv_ R_ da|aRanno|a|ion_ firmv; vpeechF|e|_labeling_endorv;_local_|raining_NGOv;_and_DPI_enablerv_R_|o_open_a_ne pipeline_of_Zda|a_gigv[_alongvide_delierFride_|avkv@_See d.c Daya Gigs Ecossyem Adopt_ a_ Participatory_ Design_ Approach:_ Reglarl_ and_ vv|ema|icall_ engage_ i|h orkerv_ in_ |he_ devign_ and_ fnc|ioning_ of_ |he_ pla|formDv_ applica|ionv_ and_ algori|hmv@ Offering_mone|ar_or_nonRmone|ar_incen|iev_can_encorage_par|icipa|ion@_Thiv_no| onl_empoerv_orkerv_b|_alvo_benefi|v_pla|formv_|hrogh_po|en|iall_higher_orker re|en|ion@ __ 5.1. Recommendations for Platform Companies | PAGE 29 Conduct_Regular;_Collaborative_Risk_Assessments:_Proactively_conduct_internal_audits on_the_impact_of_algorithms_on_workers@_Platforms_should_work_with_academic_labs_to conduct_ these_ assessments;_ as_ currently;_ policy_ is_ informed_ by_ limited_ studies_ and anecdotal_evidence@_Publishing_best_practices_based_on_these_findings_can_help_inform other_industry_players@ Embrace_ Algorithmic_ Transparency_ and_ Explainability:_ Platforms_ should_ provide workers_with_clear;_simple;_and_multilingual_explanations_of_how_algorithms_affect_their work_allocation;_performance_ratings;_and_wages@__ Establish_a_Fair_and_HumanRcentric_Grievance_Redressal_System:_Implement_a_multiR level_grievance_redressal_system_where_issues_can_be_escalated_from_chatbots_to_human agents@_ Ensure_ a_ humanRinRtheRloop_ for_ all_ highRstakes_ decisions;_ such_ as_ account deactivations;_to_guarantee_due_process_and_fairness@ _ Embed_ microRlearning_ into_ the_ worker_ app:_ Treat_ capabilityRbuilding_ like_ a_ product using_the_ZlearningRinRtheRflow[_model:_daily_microRskilling_NcontextRaware_nudges;_5R minute_ modules;_ vernacular_ voice_ bots;_ and_ microRcredentialsO;_ adaptive_ paths;_ and social_learning;_so_learning_directly_improves_earnings_and_safety_outcomes@ _ Build_Peer_Support_Networks:_Formal_and_informal_worker_groups_can_serve_as_crucial channels_ for_ sharing_ information;_ offering_ mutual_ support;_ and_ reducing_ the_ isolation caused_by_the_shift_away_from_human_interaction_in_grievance_redressal@ Leverage_ Technology_ for_ Collective_ Action:_ As_ suggested_ by_ experts;_ worker organisations_ can_ use_ AI_ and_ data_ analysis_ to_ process_ worker_ complaints_ at_ scale; providing_dataRdriven_evidence_to_challenge_unfair_platform_practices@__ Promote_ Digital_ and_ Financial_ Literacy:_ Enhance_ programs_ that_ help_ workers understand_the_digital_platforms_they_use;_their_rights;_and_how_to_manage_fluctuating incomes@_This_is_especially_important_as_low_digital_literacy_can_be_a_significant_barrier for_workers@ __ Conduct_ ActionROriented_ Research:_ Work_ with_ research_ institutions_ to_ study_ how responsible_ AI_ principles_ shape_ platform_ practices_ and_ affect_ the_ lived_ experiences_ of workers;_with_the_aim_of_guiding_the_development_of_fair;_evidenceRbased_platforms_and policies@ ___ 5.2. Recommendations for Gig Workers and Civil Society | PAGE 30 The_ rapid_ expansion_ of_ the_ platform_ economy_ presents_ a_ complex_ challenge_ for governments_worldwide:_how_to_foster_innovation_and_economic_growth_while_ensuring_fair and_ dignified_ conditions_ for_ the_ millions_ of_ workers_ who_ power_ it@_ The_ debate_ often polarizes_ between_ two_ distinct_ philosophies_ Q_ iO_ a_ ClightRtouchC_ approach;_ champions flexibility_ and_ industryRled_ solutions;_ arguing_ that_ premature_ or_ heavyRhanded_ regulation could_stifle_a_nascent_and_dynamic_sectorE_and_iiO_a_CregulationRheavyC_approach;_prioritises social_justice;_advocating_for_direct_government_intervention_to_protect_a_workforce_it_views as_vulnerable_to_precariousness_and_algorithmic_control@_While_both_pathways_offer_valid perspectives;_we_believe_that_India_must_adopt_a_pragmatic_middle_path@ Enable_a_Foundational_Safety_Net_via_Digital_Public_Infrastructure:_The_governmentDs primary_intervention_should_be_activating_the_Code_on_Social_Security_N2020O@_To_ensure efficient_and_transparent_delivery_of_these_benefits;_the_government_could_initiate_the development_ of_ a_ Unified_ Worker_ Interface_ NUWIO@_ This_ open_ protocol_ would_ act_ as digital_ public_ infrastructure;_ similar_ to_ UPI_ for_ financial_ payments@_ UWI_ can_ help_ to streamline_the_administration_of_social_security_contributions_and_payouts_by_creating_a single;_reliable_record_of_worker_earnings_across_all_platforms@_It_also_provides_workers with_ownership_of_their_data@_ See d.d Unified Workers Inyerface (UWI). Promote_ an_ IndustryRLed_ CoRRegulatory_ Framework:_ The_ government_ can_ act_ as_ a facilitator;_ encouraging_ platforms_ to_ form_ an_ industry_ association@_ This_ body;_ in_ a tripartite_arrangement_with_worker_representatives_and_government_oversight;_would_be tasked_with_developing_a_CCode_of_ConductC@_This_code_would_establish_best_practices on_ fair_ pay_ principles;_ data_ ethics;_ and_ transparent_ grievance_ redressal;_ allowing_ the industry_to_regulate_itself_proactively@ Establish_ a_ Public_ Repository_ of_ DarkF_ Design_ Patterns_ for_ Gig_ Work:_ The government;_in_partnership_with_academic_institutions;_can_create_and_maintain_a_public repository_of_known_dark_patterns_and_design_patterns_for_workers@_By_establishing_such a_repository;_platforms_would_then_be_encouraged_to_selfRevaluate_their_systems_against this_ repository_ and_ voluntarily_ report_ on_ their_ mitigation_ efforts@_Refer yo d.e - Design/Dark Payyerns for Gig Work. 5.3. Recommendations for Governments and Policymakers | PAGE 31 Enact_a_CRight_to_Explanation_and_Human_ReviewC: Manda|e |ha| pla|formv proide clear, vimple, and ml|ilingal eplana|ionv for an high-v|akev a|oma|ed decivion, par|iclarl accon| deac|ia|ionv and vignifican| redc|ionv in earningv. Thiv mv| be copled i|h a manda|or "hman-in-|he-loop" for reieing and appealing |heve decivionv. Launch_ a_ GovernmentRBacked_ CFair_ WorkC_ Rating_ System: The goernmen|, in collabora|ion i|h an Indian academic inv|i||ion, cold manage a pblic-facing ra|ing vv|em. Thiv vv|em old eala|e pla|formv againv| clear me|ricv deried from |he Code of Prac|ice (e.g., aerage horl earningv, divp|e revol|ion |ime, orker va|ivfac|ion). Pla|formv i|h higher ra|ingv cold be promo|ed on goernmen| ebvi|ev or receie vome benefi|v like |a benefi|v, empoering convmerv and orkerv |o make informed choicev. Utilise_ Regulatory_ Sandboxes_ for_ Future_ Challenges: For emerging ivvev like algori|hmic age-ve||ing and dnamic pricing, goernmen|v vhold promo|e |he ve of regla|or vandboev. Pla|formv vhold be ini|ed |o |ev| ne, more |ranvparen| modelv in a con|rolled enironmen|, alloing |he goernmen| |o ga|her real-orld da|a before codifing ne rlev in|o |he Code of Prac|ice. We analve |he oppor|ni| vpace ving |he “Co-In|elligence” frameork of Ramavam and Naraanan (dbdg). The propove a PIEX lenv |o ivalive ne ale-crea|ing oppor|ni|iev - i.e., Pla|formv of In|erac|ie Engagemen|v driing Impac|v in Ecovv|emv of life-eXperiencev. Sch a lenv helpv ivalive ho ale iv co-crea|ed |hrogh Hman–AI in|erac|ie engagemen|v acrovv organia|ional ecovv|emv, focving on bo|h |he procevv and o|comev of engagemen| |o genera|e vv|ainable ellbeing impac|v (SWIv). Pla|form companiev can e|end |heir pla|form b devigning a ne ve| of in|erac|ie engagemen|v |ha| orchev|ra|ev da|a-ork a| vcale, vch av anno|a|ion, |ranvcrip|ion, da|a cleaning, erifica|ion, |hrogh a coali|ion of par|nerv. The can map co-in|elligence flov be|een orkerv (ho opera|e av crea|ie-eperiencerv - |he more |he par|icipa|e, |he more |he gain), pla|form algori|hmv, par|ner firmv, and digi|al pblic infrav|rc|rev. The vhold |rea| |he marke|place, qali| laer, and learning laer av Shared Digi|alied Infrav|rc|re (SDI) capabili|iev, revable acrovv |avk familiev and par|nerv; and plg-in ne domainv i|ho| rebilding |he v|ack. 5.4. Data Gigs Ecosystem | PAGE 32 The_ en|ire_ da|aRgigv_ ecovv|em_ iv_ op|imived_ for_ vv|ainable_ ellbeing_ impac|v_ NSWIvO_ vch av_ income_ v|abili|;_ vkill_ mobili|;_ and_ vafe|;_ ra|her_ |han_ jv|_ o|p|_ olmev_ or_ procevv efficienciev@_A_recen|_eample_of_a_da|aRgigv_verice_Nal|hogh_no|_of_an_open_ecovv|em_av e_hae_enivaged_hereO_iv_from_Uber@_Uber_AI_Sol|ionv_proidev_en|erpriveRgrade_|oolv_for da|a_ anno|a|ion;_ |ev|ing;_ and_ localia|ion;_ and_ av_ par|_ of_ |hiv_ compan_ verice;_ Uber_ hav pilo|ed_a_program_in_India_here_drierv_can_earn_e|ra_income_b_doing_digi|al_|avkv_i|hin |he_app_NMonecon|rol;_dbdgO@ Ecosystem_Partners: Platform_ company_ managev_ |avk_ marke|place;_ ma|ching;_ qali|_ loop;_ pamen|v; orker_app@ Data_ partners_ Nanno|a|ionFcleaning_ endorv;_ |ech_ firmvO_ manage_ |avk_ vppl; on|ologiev;_QA_rbricv@ Plural_sector_partners_NNGOv;_SHGv;_vkillv_mivvionvO_handle_|he_firv|Rmile_recri|men|; and_proide_prac|ical_vppor|_like_digi|al_li|erac_|raining@ Public_ sectorű_ DPI_ railv_ NID;_ pamen|vO;_ procremen|_ of_ pblicRin|erev|_ da|a_ |avkv Nheal|h;_agri;_mobili|O@ Knowledge_ environment_ iv_ a_ ligh|eigh|_ coRin|elligence_ archi|ec|re_ |o_ record_ grond |r|h;_ collec|_ inRcon|e|_ orker_ feedback;_ and_ |rn_ bo|h_ in|o_ bi|eRvie_ learning_ avve|v; vch_av_|ipv_and_rbricv;_|ha|_vrface_hile_|avkv_are_being_done@ Data_Gigs_Progression_Ladder: Tier_ 1_ R_ Foundation_ NZCollect_ _ TagRLight[Oű_ Tpical_ gigvű_ vimple;_ mobileRfriendl con|rib|ionv_ vch_ av_ pho|o_ and_ ideo_ cap|re_ in_ pblic_ vpacev_ or_ vhopv;_ geo|agFaddrevv checkv;_bavic_imageFadio_|agging;_vhor|_vpeech_vnippe|v_in_local_langagev;_OCR_cleanRpv and_ evFno_ qali|_ flagv@_ Theve_ are_ devigned_ av_ loRfric|ion_ in|erac|ie_ engagemen|v_ |ha| vrface_in_|he_flo_of_a_orker]v_da@ Tier_ 2_ R_ Skilled_ Annotation_ _ QAű_ Tpical_ gigvű_ de|ailed_ labeling;_ |e|_ in|en|Fven|imen| clavvifica|ion;_ |aonom_ mapping;_ vpeech_ vegmen|a|ion;_ modelRcomparivon_ |riage_ NZhich o|p|_iv_be||er_and_hA[O;_defec|_divcoer;_and_vcenario_edgeRcave_|agging@_Theve_|avkv help_bild_anal|ical_vkillv_and_accrac_habi|v@ Tier_ 3_ R_ Safety_ _ Workflow_ Leadsű_ Tpical_ gigv_ R_ policRgided_ redRflag_ reie;_ vcenario alida|ion;_ da|ave|_ vpo|Radi|v_ for_ biavFcoerage;_ promp|Frevponve_ eala|ionv_ againv| docmen|ed_ rbricv;_ |avkve|_ calibra|ion;_ men|oring_ cohor|v;_ rbric_ refinemen|_ i|h_ da|a par|nerv@_ Theve_ rolev_ coordina|e_ peopleRandRAI;_ keep_ v|andardv_ coheren|;_ and_ clove_ |he learning_loop@ | PAGE 32 Role of the Policy Makerű The_ goernmen|_ F_ IndianAI_ mivvion_ can_ veed_ a_ ZDa|aRGigv_ India[_ or_ a_ ZDa|aRforRPblicR Good[_pblicRpria|e_program@_The_can_pblivh_open_procremen|_lo|v_for_pblicRvec|or anno|a|ion_Ne@g@;_local_langage;_heal|h;_agricl|reO;_ve|_qali|Fe|hicv_v|andardv;_and_ro|e |avkv_ ia_ in|eroperable_ railv_ NDPIFONDCO_ vo_ ml|iple_ pla|formv_ can_ offer_ |hem@_ The_ can alvo_ fnd_ commni|Rbaved_ AIRli|erac_ and_ microRcreden|ialing_ programv_ vo_ bleRcollar orkerv_ can_ en|er;_ learn;_ and_ adance_ i|hin_ da|a_ ork@_ The_ ma_ alvo_ pblivh rbricFe|hicv_|empla|ev_Ne@g@;_|o_divclove_|avk_proenance;_pa_ra|ev;_modelRrivk_vafegardv; and_ da|aRpro|ec|ion_ b_ devignO_ and_ reqire_ SWI_ repor|ing_ Ne@g@;_ earningv_ v|abili|;_ |ier progrevvion;_grieance_revol|ion_|imeO_av_procremen|_condi|ionv@ In_|he_lav|_decade;_IndiaDv_Unified_Pamen|v_In|erface_NUPIO_hav_fndamen|all_reired_|he na|ionDv_financial_landvcape@_B_crea|ing_a_vhared_digi|al_pblic_infrav|rc|re_Q_a_common langage_for_ale_echange_Q_i|_hav_enabled_a_ibran|_ecovv|em_of_applica|ionv;_fov|ering npreceden|ed_ innoa|ion_ and_ financial_ inclvion@_ Similarl;_ Open_ Ne|ork_ for_ Digi|al Commerce_ NONDCO_ iv_ an_ ini|ia|ie_ |ha|_ aimv_ a|_ fov|ering_ a_ decen|ralived_ and_ open_ eR commerce_ne|ork_for_echange_of_goodv_and_vericev@ _ Wha|_if_e_cold_appl_|hiv_vame_reol|ionar_principle_no|_jv|_|o_mone_or_commerce; b|_|o_|he_er_concep|_of_ork_i|velfA_Thiv_iv_|he_premive_of_|he_Unified_Workerv_In|erface NUWIOű_a_pro|ocol_devigned_|o_crea|e_a_vingle;_in|eroperable;_and_liqid_marke|_for_hman |alen|_in_India@_UWI_iv_no|_an_applica|ion_or_a_job_boardE_i|_iv_a_fonda|ional_ve|_of_rlev_|ha| old_ allo_ an_ orker_ |o_ be_ divcoered_ b_ an_ emploer;_ on_ an_ pla|form;_ crea|ing_ a vv|em_|ha|_iv_more_efficien|;_|ranvparen|;_and_eqi|able_for_all@ A_ cri|ical_ challenge_ in_ |he_ modern_ econom_ iv_ |he_ clavvifica|ion_ of_ gig_ orkerv;_ ho_ are of|en_ labelled_ av_ Cpar|nervC_ b_ |he_ pla|form_ companiev@_ UWI_ iv_ niqel_ povi|ioned_ |o addrevv_|hiv_ivve_no|_b_enforcing_a_legal_defini|ion;_b|_b_making_|he_div|inc|ion_irrelean| from_a_prac|ical_v|andpoin|@_The_pro|ocol_iv_agnov|ic_|o_legal_labelvE_i|_vimpl_facili|a|ev_a erifiable_agreemen|_be|een_|he_proider_of_a_CWork_Packe|C_and_|he_holder_of_a_CUWIR ID@C 5.5. Unified Workers Interface (UWI) | P A G E 3 3 I|_allov_for_eer_comple|ed_|avk_and_i|v_correvponding_feedback_|o_be_appended_|o_|he orkerDv_ permanen|;_ por|able_ UWIRID@_ Thiv_ procevv_ formalivev_ |heir_ ork_ hiv|or_ b crea|ing_a_convolida|ed_digi|al_record_of_|heir_vkillv;_reliabili|;_and_income@_Thiv_erifiable hiv|or_ becomev_ |he_ ke_ |o_ empoermen|;_ giing_ orkerv_ |he_ |angible_ benefi|v_ of|en avvocia|ed_i|h_formal_emplomen|;_vch_av_accevv_|o_loanv;_invrance;_and_vocial_vecri|; i|ho|_needing_|he_official_|i|le@ The Core Constituents of a Unified Workers Interface To_ fnc|ion_ effec|iel;_ UWI_ old_ need_ |o_ be_ bil|_ on_ a_ ve|_ of_ robv|;_ v|andardived componen|v;_mch_like_|he_pro|ocolv_|ha|_goern_|he_in|erne|@_Theve_old_incldeű c@The Unified Worker Identity (UWI-ID)ű_The_cornerv|one_of_|he_vv|em;_|hiv_old_be_a niqe;_ por|able;_ and_ erifiable_ digi|al_ iden|i|_ for_ eer_ orker_ Ne@g@;_ nameiO@ Linked_|o_a_fonda|ional_na|ional_ID_for_Kno_Yor_Worker_NKYWO_erifica|ion;_|hiv_ID old_ac|_av_a_nierval_ke;_alloing_a_orker_|o_accevv_oppor|ni|iev_acrovv_|he_en|ire ne|ork@_ Crciall;_ |he_ orker_ old_ re|ain_ fl_ con|rol_ oer_ |heir_ da|a;_ managing priac_and_deciding_ha|_informa|ion_iv_vhared_a|_each_v|age_of_an_engagemen|@ d@A Multi-Layered Protocol Stackű_UWI_old_opera|e_|hrogh_a_veriev_of_in|eroperable pro|ocolvű Discovery Protocolű_ A_ v|andardived_ me|hod_ for_ emploerv_ |o_ broadcav|_ CWork Packe|vC_ Nv|rc|red_ job_ devcrip|ionvO_ and_ for_ orkerv_ |o_ vignal_ |heir_ realR|ime aailabili|_and_vkillv@_Thiv_old_crea|e_a_nierval_vearch_fnc|ion_for_|he_en|ire labor_marke|@ Interaction Protocolű_ S|andardived_ forma|v_ for_ eer_ v|ep_ of_ |he_ hiring_ procevv; from_ini|ial_con|ac|_and_in|erie_reqev|v_|o_digi|al_con|rac|v_and_nonRdivclovre agreemen|v@ Reputation Protocolű_ A_ nierval_ vv|em_ for_ giing_ and_ receiing_ feedback@_ Thiv por|able_rep|a|ion;_linked_|o_|he_UWIRID;_old_aggrega|e_a_orkerDv_performance hiv|or_acrovv_all_pla|formv;_crea|ing_a_far_more_holiv|ic_and_|rv|or|h_meavre_of vkill_and_reliabili|_|han_an_vingle_pla|formDv_ra|ing_vv|em@ Settlement Protocolű_ A_ v|andardived_ procevv_ for_ |riggering_ pamen|v_ pon_ |he comple|ion_of_ork_or_milev|onev@_Thiv_laer_cold_in|egra|e_direc|l_i|h_financial pro|ocolv_like_UPI;_enabling_vmar|_con|rac|v_here;_for_inv|ance;_a_erified_Cork comple|eC_vignal_on_UWI_a|oma|icall_ini|ia|ev_a_pamen|@ | PAGE 34 A_ Neutral_ Governance_ Body:_ Jv|_ av_ |he_ Na|ional_ Pamen|v_ Corpora|ion_ of_ India NNPCIO_ oerveev_ UPI;_ a_ ne|ral;_ nonRprofi|;_ or_ qaviRgoernmen|al_ bod_ old_ be evven|ial@_ Thiv_ en|i|_ old_ be_ revponvible_ for_ main|aining_ |he_ pro|ocolDv_ in|egri|; envring_da|a_vecri|;_revoling_divp|ev;_and_giding_i|v_eol|ion@ Standardising_the_Language_of_Work For_|he_pro|ocol_|o_fnc|ion;_i|_mv|_v|andardive_|he_informa|ion_|ha|_definev_bo|h_orkerv_ and_|he_ork_i|velf@ The_Worker_Profile_Schema:_Thiv_old_be_a_comprehenvie_digi|al_repreven|a|ion_of_a orkerDv_profevvional_life;_con|aining_v|rc|red_fieldv_for_erified_iden|i|;_vkillv_Nving_a v|andardived_ |aonomO;_ creden|ialv_ Nfrom_ erified_ ivverv_ like_ niervi|iev_ and cer|ifica|ion_ bodiev;_ or_ eGo_ Fonda|ionDv_ DIVOC_ creden|ialing_ modle_ NeGo Fonda|ion;_dbddO;_a_comple|e_ork_hiv|or;_and_|he_aggrega|ed_rep|a|ion_da|a@ The_Work_Packet_Schema:_Thiv_old_be_|he_nierval_job_devcrip|ion@_I|_old_inclde a_niqe_ID_for_|he_|avk;_erified_emploer_informa|ion;_a_de|ailed_vcope_of_ork;_|he vpecific_ vkillv_ reqired_ Nving_ |he_ vame_ |aonomO;_ and_ clear_ |ermv_ for_ logiv|icv Nremo|eFonRvi|e;_dra|ionO_and_compenva|ion_N|pe;_amon|;_pamen|_|ermvO@ An_Ecosystem_of_Innovation:_Applications_Built_on_UWI The_|re_poer_of_UWI_old_be_realived_in_|he_eplovion_of_applica|ionv_bil|_on_|op_of_i|@ B_ proiding_ |he_ nderling_ infrav|rc|re;_ UWI_ old_ drama|icall_ loer_ |he_ barrier_ |o en|r_for_innoa|orv@_Po|en|ial_applica|ionv_incldeű Creating_a_Safety_Net:_A_primar_obv|acle_for_goernmen|v_aiming_|o_proide_a_vafe| ne|_for_gig_orkerv_iv_|he_lack_of_a_nified_vv|em_|o_iden|if_|hiv_|ranvien|_orkforce and_ |rack_ |heir_ ork_ acrovv_ divpara|e_ pla|formv@_ UWI_ old_ vole_ |hiv_ challenge_ b ac|ing_av_|he_digi|al_pblic_infrav|rc|re;_or_Crailv;C_pon_hich_vocial_vecri|_vchemev can_rn@_The_UWIRID_old_proide_a_vingle;_erifiable_iden|i|_for_eer_orker@_Alvo; becave_eer_CWork_Packe|C_and_pamen|_iv_recorded_on_|hiv_pro|ocol;_UWI_crea|ev_a realR|ime;_ |rv|or|h_ ledger_ of_ a_ orkerDv_ ac|ii|_ and_ income@_ Thiv_ erified_ ledger cold_|hen_direc|l_in|egra|e_i|h_parallel_digi|al_pblic_infrav|rc|rev_like_|he_Unified Benefi|v_ In|erface_ NUBIO;_ crea|ing_ an_ endR|oRend_ vv|em_ for_ con|rib|ion_ and_ benefi| delier_NPiramal_Fonda|ion;_dbdgO@ _ | PAGE 35 This_would_allow_a_government_to_seamlessly_implement_laws_like_the_Code_on_Social Security;_2020;_by_enabling_automated;_transactionRbased_deductions_for_welfare_funds Ne@g@;_health_insurance;_pension_contributionsO_directly_from_the_platform_at_the_point_of payment@_This_makes_the_collection_of_contributions_and_the_verification_of_eligibility_for benefits_ transparent;_ efficient;_ and_ directly_ linked_ to_ a_ workerDs_ actual_ economic activity;_turning_the_aspiration_of_a_social_safety_net_into_an_operational_reality@ Hyper-Specialised Talent Platforms:_Imagine_a_platform_designed_exclusively_for_hiring certified_ plumbers_ or_ electricians_ for_ household_ repairs@_ Another_ could_ focus_ on connecting_licensed_commercial_drivers_with_logistics_companies_for_shortRhaul_routes@ These_platforms_wouldnDt_need_to_build_a_user_base_from_scratchE_they_would_simply plug_into_the_UWI_network_and_focus_on_creating_the_best_possible_user_experience_for their_niche@ Financial Services:_A_delivery_driver_with_a_strong;_positive_work_history_on_their_UWIR ID_ could_ get_ a_ competitive_ loan_ for_ a_ new_ vehicle@_ A_ freelance_ construction_ worker could_access_insurance_products_that_cover_them_on_a_perRproject_basis@_With_access_to verified_income_streams_via_the_UWI_protocol;_fintech_companies_could_offer_a_range_of tailored_financial_products_to_this_underserved_segment@ Intelligent Workforce Management for Enterprises:_ A_ large_ construction_ firm_ could use_an_internal_tool_that_plugs_into_UWI_to_find_certified_welders_or_forklift_operators_for a_specific_phase_of_a_project@_A_major_event_management_company_could_seamlessly hire_and_manage_temporary_crews_for_setup_and_teardown;_all_verified_through_the_UWI protocol@ Dynamic Government Skilling Initiatives:_Governments_could_analyse_realRtime_UWI data_ to_ identify_ emerging_ skill_ gaps_ in_ the_ economy@_ They_ could_ then_ target_ specific training_programs_to_citizens_who_need_them_most_and_instantly_issue_a_verified_digital credential_to_their_UWIRID_upon_completion@ The_Unified_Workers_Interface_NUWIO_represents_a_shift_from_the_fragmented;_siloed_labour markets_ of_ today_ to_ a_ connected_ and_ dynamic_ future@_ By_ creating_ a_ digital_ public infrastructure_for_work;_UWI_offers_a_blueprint_for_a_system_that_empowers_gig_workers_ individuals_ with_ ownership_ of_ their_ professional_ identity;_ provides_ employers_ with frictionless_ access_ to_ talent;_ and_ enables_ a_ new_ wave_ of_ innovation_ in_ the_ technology_ of work@ | PAGE 36 TypeDescription Design Pattern Algorithmic Opacity Gig orkerv don’| kno ho decivionv are made b |he pla|form’v algori|hm, crea|ing ncer|ain| (Chen e| al., dbcg; Rovenbla| & S|ark, dbch). Design Pattern Hidden Costs / Offloading of Risk Pla|formv are no| pfron| abo| opera|ional cov|v |ha| orkerv mv| bear (e.g., ehicle main|enance, fel) (Raenelle, dbck). Design Pattern Moving Targets Pla|formv are knon |o al|er performance |arge|v or incen|ie |hrevholdv npredic|abl and i|ho| |ranvparenc, freqen|l vhif|ing |he reqiremen|v |o achiee promived reardv (Vavdean and Chan, dbdd). Design Pattern Biased Rating Systems Cv|omer ra|ingv are ved av a primar divciplinar |ool, of|en penaliving orkerv for fac|orv beond |heir con|rol (e.g., rev|aran| delav, cv|omer mood (Lee e| al., dbcg). Devign Pa||ernv rela|e |o |he vv|emic devign of |he pla|form'v opera|ionv and bvinevv model. Addrevving |hem reqirev changev |o pla|form policiev, algori|hmic logic, and po|en|iall regla|or in|eren|ion. Dark Pa||ernv vhall mean “an prac|icev or decep|ie devign pa||ern ving ver in|erface or ver eperience in|erac|ionv on an pla|form |ha| iv devigned |o mivlead or |rick verv |o do vome|hing |he originall did no| in|end or an| |o do, b vber|ing or impairing |he convmer a|onom, decivion making or choice, amon|ing |o mivleading ader|ivemen| or nfair |rade prac|ice or iola|ion of convmer righ|v” (Cen|ral Convmer Pro|ec|ion A|hori|, dbde). 5.6. Design/Dark Patterns for Gig Work | PAGE 37 TypeDescription Design + Dark Pattern Unpredictable Scheduling Despite the promise of flexibility, work availability can be highly volatile and algorithmically controlled, making it difficult for workers to plan or secure stable income (Reynolds et al., 2024). Design + Dark Pattern Excessive Monitoring Intrusive, constant surveillance of workers through their devices, tracking location, activity, speed, and communication for performance management (Rosenblat & Stark, 2016). Design + Dark Pattern Unfair Deactivation Workers are permanently or temporarily removed from the platform without a clear reason, evidence, or a meaningful process for appeal (Heeks et al., 2021). Dark Pattern False Urgency A sense of urgency is created (e.g., countdown timers) to compel workers to accept a gig immediately without full consideration (Lee et al., 2015). Dark Pattern Wage Concealment The full breakdown of how pay is calculated is obscured from the worker, often until after a job is completed (Rosenblat & Stark, 2016). | PAGE 38 Principles to Address these Patterns We_believe_that_clear_UIFUX;_product;_and_governance_standards_should_be_established_to reduce_harms_from_design_and_dark_patterns_in_gig_economy_apps@_The_following_principles may_form_the_ethical_foundation_for_a_platform_that_treats_its_workers_as_valued_partners@ 1@Transparency in Practice:_Workers_have_the_right_to_understand_how_they_earn_and how_ work_ is_ assigned@_ All_ inputs;_ formulas;_ and_ policy_ changes_ must_ be_ visible; versioned;_ and_ explainable_ in_ plain_ language@_ This_ includes_ providing_ upfront information_on_every_gig_and_clear;_itemized_receipts_for_every_completed_task@ __ 2@Worker Agency & Control:_Workers_have_the_right_to_make_informed_decisions_without psychological_manipulation_or_surrendering_excessive_data@_Consent_for_data_collection must_be_granular_and_progressive;_with_clear_scopes;_purposes;_and_optRouts@_The_user interface_ must_ be_ neutral;_ avoiding_ coercive_ elements_ like_ aggressive_ countdowns_ or shaming_language@ __ 3@Fairness in Feedback:_Workers_have_the_right_to_be_evaluated_on_factors_within_their control@_ Rating_ systems_ must_ be_ intelligently_ designed_ to_ automatically_ adjust_ to external_ conditions_ like_ traffic;_ weather;_ or_ restaurant_ delays_ that_ are_ beyond_ the workerDs_control@ __ 4@Predictability & Stability:_ Workers_ have_ the_ right_ to_ a_ stable_ and_ predictable_ work environment_ that_ allows_ for_ financial_ planning@_ This_ is_ achieved_ through_ tools_ like demand_forecasting;_the_ability_to_book_work_slots;_and_establishing_minimum_earnings floors_where_feasible@ __ 5@Due Process & Respect:_ Workers_ have_ the_ right_ to_ a_ clear_ explanation_ and_ a_ fair hearing_ before_ losing_ their_ livelihood@_ All_ enforcement_ actions_ must_ be_ backed_ by accessible_ evidence;_ with_ a_ clear;_ guided_ appeals_ process_ that_ has_ a_ timeRbound resolution@ | PAGE 39 PatternRemediation Algorithmic Opacity Explainable_AI:_Provide_CexplainRasRyouRgoC_justifications_for offers_directly_in_the_app_Ne@g@;_CThis_offer_was_based_on_proximity and_your_7Rday_ETA_reliabilityCO@__ Pay_Transparency:_Include_a_CWhy_this_payoutAC_explainer_for every_gig_with_a_full_formula_breakdown@__ Transparent_Changes:_Maintain_an_inRapp;_versioned_change_log for_all_policies;_highlighting_what_changed_and_who_is_affected@ Audits:_Conduct_independent_algorithmic_audits;_in_collaboration with_research_institutions;_to_check_for_fairness_and_disparate impact@_ Hidden_Costs F_Offloading of_Risk Net_Earnings_Calculators:_Display_netRearnings_calculators_with editable;_localised_cost_assumptions_Nfuel;_maintenance;_taxesO_to show_a_realistic_takeRhome_pay_estimate@_ Risk_Mitigation:_Shift_risk_where_possible_by_offering_a_minimum perRKM_floor_indexed_to_local_fuel_prices@_ Moving Targets NIncentivesO Fixed_Terms:_Treat_incentives_like_financial_products_by_providing Cterm_sheetsC_with_fixed_time_windows_and_clear_eligibility_rules@__ Advance_Notice:_Lock_all_changes_with_a_7R14_day_advance_notice period_Nunless_for_fraudFsafetyO;_communicated_via_an_inRapp countdown@__ Progress_Tracking:_Provide_personalised_progress_trackers_with CwhatRifC_calculators_to_help_workers_strategise@_ Biased_Rating Systems Contextual_Normalisation:_Use_multiRsource_signals_Ntraffic feeds;_weather;_restaurant_delay_flagsO_to_automatically_normalise ratings_and_remove_penalties_for_external_factors@__ Coaching_over_Punishment:_Replace_binary_demerits_with constructive_coaching_nudges_and_forgiveness_windows_Ne@g@;_first 2_flagged_events_per_month_are_not_penalizedO@_ Context_Tags:_Allow_workers_to_add_context_tags_Ne@g@; CCustomer_unresponsiveCO_to_a_rating;_which_can_trigger_a_review or_remove_a_penalty@_ | PAGE 40 DesignF_Dark_Pattern_Remediation Unpredictable Scheduling Slot Booking:_Offer_the_ability_to_book_work_slots_in_advance; offer_soft_holds_for_peak_times@` Demand Forecasting:_Publish_supplyRdemand_heatmaps_and forecast_windows_for_the_next_24R72_hours_to_help_workers_plan their_time@ Minimum Earnings Floor:_ShowRup_fee;_honour_holds_or compensation_when_cancelled@`` PatternTypical UI PatternsRemediation False Urgency Gig_cards_with countdown_timers Ne@g@;_5Q10_secondsO; pulsing_colours;_or lossRframing_copy NZHurry=_Surge ends=[O@ Replace_countdowns with_a_Csoft_holdC_of_at least_30R60_seconds; with_an_option_to extend_once@`` Use_neutral_colours and_copyE_remove alarming animations@```` Design/ Dark Pattern Remediation | PAGE 41 Wage Concealment “Accept to see final pay” screens. Pay shown only post- completion or after timers expire. Tip policy unclear. The offer card must show the full pay formula, distance, and estimated time upfront. A "View Breakdown" button must be present and viewable before acceptance. Receipts UI post-trip that reconcile estimate vs realised pay, with dispute button next to each component. | PAGE 42 Excessive Monitoring Hidden |ogglev for backgrond loca|ion. Defal|-on call recording/alav-on mic permivvionv bndled i|h evven|ial permivvionv. “Fnc|ionall impovvible |o ork” if v|ric| |racking iv no| accep|ed, i|ho| clear vcope/prpove. Uve vepara|e |ogglev for each permivvion (e.g., "Loca|ion hile ving" v. "Loca|ion alav"), each i|h an eplici| vcope and ra|ionale. Proide a vcreen vhoing ha| da|a av collec|ed in |he lav| df horv (GPS pingv, velfie checkv), for ha| prpove, and for ho long i|'v re|ained. Inclde b||onv |o dele|e eligible da|a or reqev| a reie. Offer a ivible "Priac Break" mode |ha| clearl vvpendv non-evven|ial |racking. No cri|ical app fnc|ion iv blocked b a vingle bndled permivvion; eer permivvion hav an independen| |oggle and eplana|ion. | PAGE 43 Unfair Deactivation One-line “polic iola|ion” bannerv i|h no eidence. Appealv hidden nder ml|iple |apv; deadlinev nclear; v|a|v opaqe. A deac|ia|ion no|ice mv| be preven|ed av a "Deac|ia|ion Card" |ha| incldev |he vpecific polic clave iola|ed, |imev|amped eidence (i|h venvi|ie da|a blrred), and |he impac| (e.g., |emporar vvpenvion). The no|ice mv| fea|re a prominen| "S|ar| Appeal" b||on |ha| ini|ia|ev a gided flo. Thiv flo vhold inclde a checkliv| of reqired proofv, an pload |ool, and a real-|ime v|a|v |racker (e.g., "Sbmi||ed," "Under Reie," "Decivion b [Da|e]"). Implemen| a UI |ha| vhov a progrevvion from arning |o |emporar |imeo| |o deac|ia|ion, i|h each v|ep proiding adice on ho |o aoid evcala|ion. No deac|ia|ion no|ice iv vered i|ho| ieable eidence and a prominen| appeal b||on on |he vame vcreen. The appealv procevv mv| hae a v|a|ed, |ime-bond revol|ion indo. | P A G E 4 4 Appendix:_List_of_Stakeholder_Interviewees Aditi Surie, Assistant Professor, School of Human Development & Lead – Academics & Research, Indian Institute for Human Settlements Amal Sivaji, Co-Founder, Draavi Ambika Tandon, PhD student, University of Cambridge Amit Jain, Chief Operating Officer, FluxGen Balaji Parthasarathy, Center for Information Technology and Public Policy, International Institute of Information Technology, Bangalore, and Principal Investigator, Fairwork India Dharmendra Kumar, Founding Secretary, Janpahal Gayatri Nair, Assistant Professor of Sociology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi Hari Menon, Co-Founder and CEO, BigBasket Lavanya Singh, Founder & CEO, Kaio Priyam Vadaliya, Manager, Aapti Institute Rakshita Swamy, Visiting Faculty, National Law School of India University, Bengaluru & Head, Social Accountability Forum for Action and Research (SAFAR) Rameesh Kailasam, CEO and President, IndiaTech.org Ravi Annadurai, CEO, Workaroo Rikta Krishnaswamy, All India Gig Workers Union Ritvik Gupta, Associate, Aapti Institute Senior Executive, Platform Company 1 Senior Executive, Platform Company 2 Shobhit S. Lead - Research & Policy Engagement, IT for Change Shourya Roy, Senior Vice President and Head of Data Science, Zepto Vaibhav Raaj, National Project Officer, India, International Labour Organization (ILO) Vedant Sharma, All India Gig Workers Union | PAGE 45 References Acemogl;_D@;__Rev|repo;_P@_NdbckO@_A|oma|ion_and_ne_|avkvű_Ho_|echnolog divplacev_and_reinv|a|ev_labor@_Jornal_of_Economic_Pervpec|iev;_eeNdO;_eQeb@ h||pvűF@aeaeb@orgFar|iclevAidqcb@cdgiFjep@e@d@e_ AdamvRPravvl;_Jeremiav_NdbckO@_Wha|_if_Yor_Bovv_Wav_an_Algori|hmA_The_Rive_of Ar|ificial_In|elligence_a|_Work@_LdbckM_fcNcO_Compara|ie_Labor_La__Polic_Jornal cde;_Aailable_a|_SSRNű_h||pvűFFvvrn@comFabv|rac|qehhccgc_ All_India_Gig_Workerv]_Union_NAIGWUO@_NdbdeO@_Yor_econom;_or_lielihoodvű_All_India Gig_Workerv]_Union_cri|iqe_on_NITI_Aaog]v_repor|_on_|he_pla|form_econom@_Cen|re for_In|erne|_and_Socie|@_h||pvűFFcivRindia@orgFraFfilevForReconomRorR lielihoodv@pdf@_ Avvocham_Q_Primv_Par|nerv;_dbdc@_The_Riving_Gig_Econom_of_India@ h||pvűF@primvpar|nerv@inFdocvFdocmen|vFThedbRivingdbGIGdbEconom dbOfdbIndiaRbkRdcRbh@pdf@ A|or;_D@_H@_NdbcgO@_Wh_are_|here_v|ill_vo_man_jobvA_The_hiv|or_and_f|re_of orkplace_a|oma|ion@_Jornal_of_Economic_Pervpec|iev;_dkNeO;_eQeb@ h||pvűF@aeaeb@orgFar|iclevAidqcb@cdgiFjep@dk@e@e_ A|or;_D@_H@;_Le;_F@;__Mrnane;_R@_J@_NdbbeO@_The_vkill_con|en|_of_recen| |echnological_changeű_An_empirical_eplora|ion@_Qar|erl_Jornal_of_Economicv; ccjNfO;_cdikQceee@_h||pvűFFacademic@op@comFqjeFar|icleR abv|rac|FccjFfFcdikFckdgcbg_ AZB__Par|nerv@_Ndbde;_Ma_kO@_Social_Secri|_Code_proivionv_per|aining_|o_penvion on_higher_agev_no|ified@_AZB__Par|nerv@_h||pvűF@abpar|nerv@comFbankFvocialR vecri|RcodeRproivionvRper|ainingR|oRpenvionRonRhigherRagevRno|ifiedF Barocav;_Solon_and_Selbv|;_Andre_D@;_Big_Da|aDv_Divpara|e_Impac|_NdbchO@_cbf California_La_Reie_hic_NdbchO;_Aailable_a|_SSRNű h||pvűFFvvrn@comFabv|rac|qdfiijkk_or_h||pűFFd@doi@orgFcb@dcekFvvrn@dfiijkk_ Berg;_J@_Ndbdf;_Oc|ober_kO@_Minimiing_|he_nega|ie_effec|v_of_AIRindced_|echnological nemplomen|@_In|erna|ional_Labor_Organia|ion@ h||pvűF@ilo@orgFrevorceFar|icleFminimiingRnega|ieReffec|vRaiRindcedR |echnologicalRnemplomen|_____ Bov|on_Convl|ing_Grop__Michael__Svan_Dell_Fonda|ion@_NdbdcO@_Unlocking_|he Po|en|ial_of_|he_Gig_Econom_in_India@_Bov|on_Convl|ing_Grop@_h||pvűFFmediaR pblica|ionv@bcg@comFIndiaRGigREconomRRepor|@pdf_ Brevnahan;_T@_F@;_Brnjolfvvon;_E@;__Hi||;_L@_M@_NdbbdO@_Informa|ion_|echnolog; orkplace_organia|ion;_and_|he_demand_for_vkilled_laborű_FirmRleel_eidence@ Qar|erl_Jornal_of_Economicv;_cciNcO;_eekQeih@ h||pvűFFacademic@op@comFqjeFar|icleRabv|rac|FcciFcFeekFcjgciib_ | PAGE 46 Brnjolfvvon;_E@;_Rock;_D@;__Servon;_C@_NdbciO@_Ar|ificial_in|elligence_and_|he_modern prodc|ii|_paradoű_A_clavh_of_epec|a|ionv_and_v|a|iv|icv_NNBER_Working_Paper_No@ dfbbcO@_Na|ional_Brea_of_Economic_Revearch@ h||pvűF@nber@orgFvv|emFfilevForkingHpapervFdfbbcFdfbbc@pdf_ Cen|ral_Convmer_Pro|ec|ion_A|hori|;_dbde@_Gidelinev_for_preen|ion_and_regla|ion of_dark_pa||ernv;_dbde@_Depar|men|_of_Convmer_Affairv;_Miniv|r_of_Convmer_Affairv; Food__Pblic_Div|rib|ion;_Goernmen|_of_India@_ Chen;_L@;_Mivloe;_A@;__Wilvon;_C@_NdbcgO@_Peeking_Benea|h_|he_Hood_of_Uber@ Proceedingv_of_|he_dbcg_ACM_Conference_on_In|erne|_Meavremen|_Conference_R_IMC ]cg@_h||pvűFFdl@acm@orgFdoiFcb@ccfgFdjcghig@djcghjc__ Deepak;_M@;_Manvi;_K@;_Aar|i;_R@;_Kri|hika;_R@;__Maank;_M@_NdbdfO@_S|a|e_of_India]v Digi|al_Econom_NSIDEO_Repor|;_dbdf@_Indian_Concil_for_Revearch_on_In|erna|ional Economic_Rela|ionv_NICRIERO@ h||pvűFFicrier@orgFpdfFS|a|eHofHIndiaHDigi|alHEconomHRepor|Hdbdf@pdf_ eGo_Fonda|ion;_dbdd@_DIVOC_Modlev@_h||pvűFFdioc@ego@org@inFdiocRmodlevF@ Fairork_India@_NdbdeO@_Fairork_India_Ra|ingv_dbdeű_Labor_S|andardv_in_|he_Pla|form Econom@_Fairork_Projec|@_h||pvűFFfair@orkFenFfFpblica|ionvFfairorkRindiaR ra|ingvRdbdeRlaborRv|andardvRinR|heRpla|formReconomF_ Gal|ng;_J@_NckhkO@_Violence;_Peace;_and_Peace_Revearch@_Jornal_of_Peace_Revearch; hNeO;_chiQckc@_h||pvűFFdoi@orgFcb@cciiFbbddefeehkbbhbbebc Heekv;_R@;_Graham;_M@;_Mngai;_P@;_Van_Belle;_J@_P@;__Woodcock;_J@_NdbdcO@ Sv|ema|ic_eala|ion_of_gig_ork_againv|_decen|_ork_v|andardvű_The_deelopmen|_and applica|ion_of_|he_Fairork_frameork@_The_Informa|ion_Socie|;_eiNgO;_dhiQdjh@ h||pvűFFdoi@orgFcb@cbjbFbckiddfe@dbdc@ckfdegh@ IDinvigh|;_Ndbdg;_Ma_hO;_Economic_liev_of_digi|al_pla|form_gig_orkervű_Cave_of delier_drierv_in_India@_IDinvigh|@_h||pvűF@idinvigh|@orgFpblica|ionFeconomicR lievRofRdigi|alRpla|formRgigRorkervRindia_ In|erna|ional_Labor_Conference_NdbdgO;_Revol|ion_|o_place_on_|he_agenda_of_|he_ne| ordinar_vevvion_of_|he_Conference_an_i|em_en|i|led_ZDecen|_ork_in_|he_pla|form econom[@_h||pvűF@ilo@orgFvi|evFdefal|FfilevFdbdgRbiFILCcceRRevol|iondbVR gBRELMEETINGSRdgbhcdRbchgDREN@pdf@_ In|erna|ional_Labor_Organia|ion;_dbdc@_World_Emplomen|_and_Social_O|look_dbdcű The_role_of_digi|al_labor_pla|formv_in_|ranvforming_|he_orld_of_ork@_Geneaű_ILO@ h||pvűF@ilo@orgFpblica|ionvFflagvhipRrepor|vFroleRdigi|alRlaborRpla|formvR |ranvformingRorldRork__ In|erna|ional_Labor_Organia|ion;_dbde@_Genera|ie_AI_and_jobvű_A_global_analviv_of po|en|ial_effec|v_on_job_qan|i|_and_qali|_NWorking_Paper_No@_khO@_Geneaű_ILO@ h||pvűF@ilo@orgFpblica|ionvFgenera|ieRaiRandRjobvRglobalRanalvivRpo|en|ialR effec|vRjobRqan|i|Rand_ | PAGE 47 International_Labour_Organization@_N2024;_January_31O@_Realizing_decent_work_in_the platform_economy_NReport_VN1O;_International_Labour_Conference;_113th_Sess@O@ International_Labour_Office@_https:FFwww@ilo@orgFresourceFconferenceR paperFilcF113FrealizingRdecentRworkRplatformReconomy_ International_Labour_Organization@_N2025;_August_15O@_Decent_work_in_the_platform economy_NDraft_Convention_and_Recommendation;_International_Labour_Conference; 114th_Sess@O@_International_Labour_Office@_https:FFwww@ilo@orgFresourceFconferenceR paperFilcFilc114FdecentRworkRplatformReconomy_ Jain;_A@_N2023;_October_30O@_Minimum_wage_policies_absent_for_most_of_India]s_platform gig_workers:_Report@_Deccan_Herald@ https:FFwww@deccanherald@comFbusinessFminimumRwageRpoliciesRabsentRforRmostRofR indiasRplatformRgigRworkersRreportR2748314@ Janpahal_N2024O@_The_RIGHTS_Survey_Q_Report_on_a_nationwide_survey_of_platform workers_in_India@ https:FFwww@janpahal@comFHfilesFugdF1cfdd7Hf9ce99577d974faa9ef28c9fceb23761@p df_ Kellogg;_K@_C@;_Valentine;_M@_A@;__Christin;_A@_N2020O@_Algorithms_at_work:_The_new contested_terrain_of_control@_Academy_of_Management_Annals;_14N1O;_366Q410@ https:FFjournals@aom@orgFdoiF10@5465Fannals@2018@0174_ Lee;_M@_K@;_Kusbit;_D@;_Metsky;_E@;__Dabbish;_L@_N2015O@_Working_with_Machines@ Proceedings_of_the_33rd_Annual_ACM_Conference_on_Human_Factors_in_Computing Systems_R_CHI_]15;_1603Q1612@_https:FFdoi@orgF10@1145F2702123@2702548@ Madhulika;_T@;_Sanjay;_S@;__Vaidya;_E@_N2025;_MarchO@_Digital_bosses:_The_role_of algorithms_in_the_modern_workplace@_National_Law_School_of_India_University__IT_for Change@ https:FFitforchange@netFsitesFdefaultFfilesFaddFDigital20Bosses20The20Role20o f20Algorithms20in20the20Modern20Workplace@pdf Ministry_of_Information__Broadcasting;_2024@_India]s_Digital_Revolution:_Transforming Infrastructure;_Governance;_and_Public_Services@_N2024O@ https:FFwww@pib@gov@inFPressReleaseIframePage@aspxAPRIDq2082144@__ Ministry_of_Labour__Employment@_N2025a;_March_8O@_Ministry_of_Labour_and Employment_Urges_Platform_Workers_to_Register_on_eRShram_Portal_for_Formal Recognition_and_Access_to_ABRPMJAY_Benefits@_Press_Information_Bureau@ https:FFwww@pib@gov@inFPressReleasePage@aspxAPRIDq2109421@ Ministry_of_Labour__Employment@_N2025b;_August_11O@_eRSHRAM_platform enhancements@_Press_Information_Bureau@ https:FFwww@pib@gov@inFPressReleasePage@aspxAPRIDq2155172@ Mohlmann;_M@;__Zalmanson;_L@_N2017O@_Hands_on_the_Wheel:_Navigating_Algorithmic Management_and_Uber_Drivers]_Autonomy@_ICIS_2017_Proceedings@ https:FFaisel@aisnet@orgFicis2017FDigitalPlatformsFPresentationsF3@ | PAGE 48 Moneycontrol;_2025@_Uber_pilots_inRapp_AI_task_program_for_drivers_in_India@ https:FFwww@moneycontrol@comFartificialRintelligenceFuberRpilotsRinRappRaiRtaskR programRforRdriversRinRindiaRarticleR13522812@html_ National_Council_of_Applied_Economic_Research;_2023@_SocioReconomic_Impact Assessment_of_Food_Delivery_Platform_Workers;_https:FFncaer@orgFwpR contentFuploadsF2023F08FNCAERHReportHPlatformHWorkersHAugustH28H2023@pdf NITI_Aayog@_N2022O@_India]s_booming_gig_and_platform_economy:_Perspectives_and recommendations_on_the_future_of_work@_Government_of_India@ https:FFwww@niti@gov@inFsitesFdefaultFfilesF2022R 06F25thHJuneHFinalHReportH27062022@pdf_ PAIGAM;_University_of_Pennsylvania;_2024@_PRISONERS_ON_WHEELSA_Report_on Working_and_Living_Conditions_of_AppRbased_workers_in_India@_https:FFtgpwu@orgFwpR contentFuploadsF2024F03FReportRFinalRPrintR1@pdf@ Pan;_J@_C@RH@;__Wu;_M@RH@_N2012O@_Throughput_analysis_for_order_picking_system_with multiple_pickers_and_aisle_congestion_considerations@_Computers__Operations Research;_39N7O;_1661Q1672@_https:FFdoi@orgF10@1016Fj@cor@2011@09@022@ Piramal_Foundation;_2025@_UBI_is_launched:_An_open_network_for_inclusive_welfare@ https:FFpiramalfoundation@orgFubiRisRlaunchedRanRopenRnetworkRforRinclusiveRwelfare@ Ramaswamy;_Venkat_and_Narayanan;_Krishnan_N2025O@_The_CoRIntelligence_Revolution: How_Humans_and_AI_CoRCreate_New_Value@_Penguin_Business@_ Ravenelle;_A@_J@_N2019O@_Hustle_and_gig_:_struggling_and_surviving_in_the_sharing economy@_University_Of_California_Press@ Rawls;_J@_N1971O@_A_Theory_of_Justice:_Original_Edition@_Harvard_University_Press@ https:FFdoi@orgF10@2307Fj@ctvjf9z6v_ Reynolds;_J@;_Quintero;_D@_F@_P@;_Aguilar;_J@;__Kincaid;_R@_N2024O@_Work_schedules; finances;_and_freedom:_Work_schedule_fit_and_platform_dependence_among_gig_workers on_Amazon]s_Mechanical_Turk_platform@_Socius;_10@ https:FFdoi@orgF10@1177F23780231241286933 Rosenblat;_A@;__Stark;_L@_N2016O@_Algorithmic_labor_and_information_asymmetries:_A case_study_of_Uber]s_drivers@_International_Journal_of_Communication;_10;_3758Q3784@ https:FFpapers@ssrn@comFsol3Fpapers@cfmAabstractHidq2686227_ Sakshi_Sadashiv_K@_N2025;_January_2O@_Why_Gig_Workers_Are_Calling_for_Algorithmic Data_Transparency@_MEDIANAMA@_https:FFwww@medianama@comF2025F01F223RwhyR theRgigRworkersRunionRisRcallingRforRalgorithmicRdataRtransparencyF@ Sen;_A@_N1999O@_Development_as_freedom@_Oxford_University_Press@ Sen;_S@;_Chatterjee;_S@;_Agarwal;_S@;__Sharma;_A@_N2023O@_Centring_rights_in_the platform_workplace:_Understanding_legal_frameworks_around_algorithmic_management and_upholding_worker_rights_NIT_for_ChangeE_Centre_for_Labour_Studies;_NLSIUO@ https:FFitforchange@netFsitesFdefaultFfilesF2491FCentring20Rights20in20the20P latform20WorkplaceHITfCH0@pdf@_ | PAGE 49 The_Bihar_Platform_Based_Gig_Workers_NRegistration;_Safety_and_WelfareO;_Act;_2025; PRS_Legislative_Research@ https:FFprsindia@orgFfilesFbillsHactsFactsHstatesFbiharF2025FAct8of2025BR@pdf_ The_Code_on_Social_Security_N2020O@_Ministry_of_Law__Justice@ https:FFlabour@gov@inFsitesFdefaultFfilesFssHcodeHgazette@pdf_ The_Draft_Telangana_Gig_and_Platform_Workers_NRegistration;_Social_Security;_and WelfareO_Bill;_2025@_https:FFprsindia@orgFbillsFstatesFtheRdraftRtelanganaRgigRandR platformRworkersRregistrationRsocialRsecurityRandRwelfareRbillR2025 The_Hindu@_N2021;_DecemberO@_An_estimated_12@2_crore_Indians_lost_their_jobs_during the_coronavirus_lockdown_in_April:_CMIE@_https:FFwww@thehindu@comFdataFdataRoverR 12RcroreRindiansRlostRtheirRjobsRduringRtheRcoronavirusRlockdownRinR aprilFarticle61660110@ece The_Draft_Jharkhand_Platform_Based_Gig_Workers_NRegistration_and_WelfareO_Bill;_2024@ https:FFshramadhan@jharkhand@gov@inFftpFWebAdminFdocumentsFGigRworkerRsocialR security@pdf The_Karnataka_Platform_Based_Gig_Workers_NSocial_Security_and_WelfareO_Bill;_2025@ https:FFkla@kar@nic@inFcouncilFhouseFbillsF156F31E@pdf The_Rajasthan_Platform_Based_Gig_Workers_NRegistration_and_WelfareO_Act;_2023;_Act No@_29_of_2023@ https:FFshramadhan@jharkhand@gov@inFftpFWebAdminFdocumentsFGigRworkerRsocialR security@pdf Vasudevan;_K@;__Chan;_N@_K@_N2022O@_Gamification_and_work_games:_Examining consent_and_resistance_among_Uber_drivers@_New_Media__Society;_24N4O;_866R886@ https:FFdoi@orgF10@1177F14614448221079028_ Vasudevan;_V@_N2025;_JulyO@_OTP_Please:_Online_buyers;_sellers_and_gig_workers_in_South Asia@_India_Penguin@__ V@V@_Giri_National_Labour_Institute;_2025@_Gig_and_Platform_Workers:_Vision_2027; Dhanya_M@B@;_NLI_Research_Studies_Series_No@_173F2025@ https:FFwww@vvgnli@gov@inFsitesFdefaultFfilesF173R202520Dhanya20MB@pdf_ Woodcock;_J@;__Graham;_M@_N2020O@_The_Gig_Economy:_A_Critical_Introduction@ http:FFacdc2007@free@frFwoodcock2020@pdf_ | PAGE 50 @cerai_iitmPhone +91-44-22578980 CeRAI The_AlgorithmicRHuman_Manager:_ AI;_Apps;_and_Workers_in_the Indian_Gig_Economy