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@article{193008,
        author = {Mrs. Vinitha Vincent and Vasini J and Tulika Deb and Isha Choudhury},
        title = {Impact of Labour Laws on Gig Workers},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {9},
        pages = {3699-3711},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=193008},
        abstract = {The expansion of the gig economy in India is reshaping conventional employment frameworks, thereby prompting critical inquiries into the applicability of existing labor legislation. Gig workers, who secure engagements via digital platforms encompassing ride-hailing applications, food delivery services, and freelance marketplaces, frequently operate beyond the purview of traditional employer-employee relationships. This exclusion renders them susceptible to vulnerabilities stemming from the absence of legal safeguards and social security provisions. This study examines the implications of Indian labor laws on gig workers, with a specific focus on employment classification, social security eligibility, income security, and associated regulatory impediments.
Adopting a doctrinal and descriptive methodology, this research primarily utilizes secondary data derived from legislative provisions, governmental reports, policy documents, scholarly literature, and judicial interpretations. Particular emphasis is placed on the Code on Social Security, 2020, which formally recognizes gig and platform workers within the Indian labor law framework.
The study's findings suggest that, notwithstanding recent legislative reforms that signify advancement in the acknowledgement of gig workers, substantive deficiencies persist in areas of implementation, enforcement, funding, and worker awareness. Challenges such as income volatility, constrained collective bargaining capacity, and indeterminate employment status continue to hinder the effective protection of workers. In conclusion, comprehensive regulatory clarity, rigorous enforcement mechanisms, and inclusive social security programs are indispensable to reconciling technological advancement with worker welfare.},
        keywords = {Gig Economy; Labour Laws in India; Platform Workers; Social Security; Employment Classification; Code on Social Security 2020; Informal Employment; Worker Protection; Digital Labour Platforms. Methodology: Research Design: Doctrinal and descriptive research. •	Data Source: Secondary data including statutes, government publications, academic journals, policy papers, reports, and case law. •	Scope: Focused on Indian labour law framework with specific reference to gig and platform workers. •	Approach: Analytical evaluation of legislative provisions and identification of practical implementation challenges. •	Limitation: Cross-sectional analysis without primary empirical survey data. Major Findings: Gig workers lack clear employee status under traditional labour laws. 1.	The Code on Social Security, 2020 recognises gig workers but implementation mechanisms remain unclear. 2.	Social security schemes are still in developmental stages and lack uniform coverage. 3.	Income volatility and absence of minimum wage guarantees persist. 4.	Limited grievance redressal and collective bargaining opportunities reduce worker protection. 5.	Awareness among gig workers regarding legal rights remains low. Outcomes of the Study: Highlights the regulatory gaps in protecting gig workers. •	Emphasises the need for clearer classification standards. •	Suggests strengthening implementation and monitoring frameworks. •	Recommends expanding social security coverage with defined funding structures. •	Contributes to policy discussions on balancing innovation with labour welfare.},
        month = {February},
        }