Empowering workers in the gig economy through a comparative analysis of labour law trends in India and globally

India’s gig economy is growing rapidly, reflecting a major evolution in modern work practices. As more people join platform-based jobs, many workers face serious challenges, including limited protections, unstable income, and insufficient social security. This paper examines how India’s current labour laws are not fully equipped to address these issues. Using a mixed-method approach, combining a survey of 170 gig workers with 30 expert interviews, the study underscores the urgent need for policies that safeguard workers’ rights while ensuring equal opportunities, legal protections, fair wages, and comprehensive social security. It also situates India’s situation in a global context by comparing experiences with countries in Europe and the Global South, identifying lessons and best practices that could be adapted locally. Special attention is given to how factors such as gender and caste exacerbate these challenges for certain workers. The study calls for a fresh perspective on gig work, prioritizing workers’ rights and fostering fair and safer conditions within the digital economy. It emphasizes collaborative efforts among policymakers, labour unions, and other stakeholders to develop a regulatory framework that is inclusive and responsive to the evolving nature of gig employment. The goal is to support a fair and sustainable employment environment for gig workers, empowering them with the rights and protections they deserve.