Gig Workers Strike Over Pay Transparency and 10-Minute Delivery Model

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct. The Code on Social Security, 2020, defines 'gig worker' as a person who performs work or participates in a work arrangement and earns from such activities outside of a traditional employer-employee relationship. It also defines 'platform worker' as a gig worker who accesses organizations or individuals through an online platform to provide services or solve specific problems. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Code on Social Security, 2020, includes provisions for social security for gig workers, it does not mandate that all gig workers *must* be provided with provident fund, gratuity, and ESI benefits by their platforms in the same manner as traditional employees. Instead, it enables the Central Government to formulate schemes for gig workers regarding life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, provident fund, etc., which may be funded by the Central Government, State Governments, and aggregators. The implementation and scope are still evolving. Statement 3 is incorrect. The '10-minute delivery model' primarily aims at enhancing customer convenience and gaining a competitive edge by offering ultra-fast delivery, not necessarily at reducing operational costs through route optimization or fuel consumption. In fact, it often increases pressure on workers and may lead to higher operational costs due to incentives and potential safety risks.

Answer: C

Statements 1, 2, and 3 are correct. These are well-documented challenges faced by gig workers, as highlighted in the news and various reports. The absence of a traditional employer-employee relationship means they often fall outside the purview of many traditional labor laws, leading to a lack of social security benefits. Performance-based incentives and tight deadlines (like 10-minute delivery) push workers to take risks, affecting their safety. Arbitrary ID blocking is a significant issue impacting their livelihood. Statement 4 is incorrect. While the Code on Social Security, 2020, attempts to address social security for gig workers, the existing labor laws in India do not comprehensively cover all aspects of gig work in a manner that fully ensures their social security and fair wages comparable to formal sector employees. The implementation and scope of benefits under the new code for gig workers are still evolving and largely depend on government schemes rather than direct employer obligations.

Answer: B

Option B is incorrect. A defining characteristic of the platform economy and gig work is the absence of a traditional employer-employee contract. Workers are often treated as independent contractors, which means they do not typically receive fixed working hours, salaries, or traditional benefits like provident fund, gratuity, or health insurance from the platform. Options A, C, and D accurately describe features of the platform economy.

Answer: B

Pair 1 is correctly matched. The Code on Wages, 2019, consolidates and amends laws relating to wages, bonus, and matters connected therewith, aiming for universal applicability of minimum wages and timely payment. Pair 2 is correctly matched. The Industrial Relations Code, 2020, consolidates and amends laws relating to trade unions, conditions of employment in industrial establishments, and investigation and settlement of industrial disputes, often seen as an effort to simplify labor laws and facilitate ease of doing business. Pair 3 is incorrectly matched. The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020, aims to consolidate and amend laws regulating the occupational safety, health, and working conditions of workers. Ensuring social security benefits for unorganized workers is primarily the objective of the Code on Social Security, 2020, not the OSHWC Code.