Q-commerce has transformed urban consumption by offering ultra-fast deliveries, but its speed-driven model creates significant social and governance challenges. Delivery workers face high accident risks, unstable incomes and algorithmic pressure, while cities experience rising traffic violations and congestion linked to gig operations. Weak labour regulations and incomplete social-security frameworks leave workers vulnerable, and platforms often evade accountability through opaque incentive systems. Although governments have introduced measures such as social-security codes, welfare boards and safety guidelines, implementation remains uneven. A balanced approach that strengthens worker protection, ensures platform transparency and improves urban regulation is essential to make the quick-delivery ecosystem safe, fair and sustainable.
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India’s rapidly growing gig economy has become vital to urban services, but extreme heatwaves are exposing serious gaps in worker protection. Delivery partners, cab drivers, and other platform-based workers are forced to work long hours outdoors without shade, hydration, or social security benefits—putting their health and livelihoods at risk. While advisory measures exist, enforcement remains weak and retaliation against workers raising concerns is common. To sustain both productivity and human dignity in a warming climate, India must strengthen legal safeguards, ensure heat-safety infrastructure, and expand social protection for gig workers.
Click to View MoreThe Draft Shram Shakti Niti 2025 to empower the workforce by extending social security to unorganized and gig workers, promoting skill development, and ensuring safe workplaces. It leverages technology to build a future-ready labor force, promoting inclusive growth, and shifts from welfare-based to rights-based worker empowerment for economic progress.
Click to View MoreMigrant workers, vital to the Indian economy, face poverty, no social security, and poor living conditions, which worsened during COVID-19. Despite laws like the Inter-State Migrant Workmen Act, implementation lags. The solution lies in robust legal frameworks, tech like ONORC and e-Shram, and a National Migrant Labour Policy for their rights and dignity.
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