Gig informal workers and changing work culture in Kashmir

This research examines the evolving work culture in Kashmir through the perspective of gig economy and looks into issues of unemployment, digital platform management and local labour dynamics. Gig economy has become a notable source of livelihood for young people and informal workers in a place where there is hardly any employment and economic disturbances occur frequently. For the purposes of this study, the qualitative research approach was employed and a non-probability sampling method was used for gathering primary data. Primary data was gathered through semi-structured interviews with 14 gig workers who are involved in food and grocery delivery, freelancing, teaching and taxi driving in Kashmiri cities. All the gathered data was analyzed with the use of NVivo 12 software. The analysis shows that there are six key dimensions affecting the gig workers experiences: income instability, platform control mechanisms, lack of social security, perceived flexibility of work, region-specific uncertainties and coping strategies. Gig workers are faced with both positive and negative aspects of their job. The current research is a part of the existing body of literature which addresses the new field of digital labour and informality in the gig economy through exploring the dynamics of the gig economy within the socio-economic milieu of Kashmir. It also shows the need for labour policies that fit regions stronger rules to oversee the gig economy and social protection that includes all gig workers. These steps are important to make sure no one is left behind.