India, Jan. 5 -- Gig Work Under The Scanner Again

The centre's new draft rules want gig and platform workers to clock at least 90 days with an employer in a year before they can tap key social security benefits like compensation-linked payouts and some statutory protections.

The move sits under the Social Security Code and is pitched as a way to distinguish regular work from fly-by-night gigs, making it easier to administer benefits and reduce disputes. And it comes amid a revival of a massive debate around the nature of gig work, safety and pay, particularly in the context of quick commerce.

For workers, it means continuity of work will matter much more than before when it comes to accessing any safety net. For companies - especially ...