GIG WORKERS INDIA

Peppermint Robotics raises Rs 100 crore led by pi Ventures, Crane Venture Partners

The company was founded in 2019 by Runal Dahiwade, and has raised Rs 150 crore to date. It also develops autonomous robots for material transportation and operates in nine countries. The US is its largest market, followed by India and western Europe, Dahiwade, who’s also the CEO, told ET.

Middle class spending boom in India comes with growing debt bill

Consumer borrowing in India has surged significantly as access to credit has expanded across the population. Individuals like Navjot Singh illustrate the financial burdens incurred from loans that have become widespread among the populace. As interest rates increase, many consumers face a heightened risk of default on their debts. Reports show that borrowing against gold and informal loans has also intensified in recent years.

Gig workers may get social security benefits through 2% transaction levy on businesses

The government is considering implementing a 2% transaction-based levy on aggregators to support social security for gig workers. This levy will fund benefits such as insurance, health, and maternity support for over 12 million workers. There is a consensus that this approach ensures fairness among different types of aggregators. The new scheme is expected to be launched in 2027, requiring gig workers to meet specific work criteria.

ETtech Explainer: Food delivery, ride-hailing firms differ on gig worker welfare levy calculation

Food delivery and quick-commerce companies such as Zomato and Swiggy are seeking a levy based on the value of transactions facilitated through their platforms, while cab and bike-taxi aggregators such as Uber and Rapido want it to be calculated on their own turnover rather than the total value of rides facilitated.

Premji's deeptech bets; Razorpay gets IPO nod

Happy Thursday! Premji Invest is stepping up its bets on defence and aerospace manufacturing.This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.

India Has No Shortage of Domestic Workers? Snabbit Founder Makes a Startling Claim

Gig workers get a seat at the table as Centre notifies social security boards

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the National Social Security Board for unorganised workers and gig workers. This board will enable the implementation of welfare schemes designed to address social security gaps. It will include representatives from government, companies, and civil society to ensure diverse input. The board is expected to meet regularly to discuss policies affecting these workers.

India’s Arrakis problem: The price of what low-skilled workers know

Indian workers contribute valuable data for training AI systems, which is transforming how tasks are automated. As technology advances, low-cost labour is becoming a significant resource for AI development globally. Companies are increasingly relying on Indian workers for video data that demonstrates various physical tasks. This trend poses challenges regarding data ownership and the economic benefits for India.

PLFS set for fresh overhaul, govt seeks public & expert opinion on upcoming new things

The National Statistics Office (NSO), which has conducted the PLFS since 2017, plans to introduce the modifications from January 2027, when fresh samples for the 2027-2028 two-year period, designated Panel 6, will be drawn using an updated sampling frame.

Make employees your customers

Snabbit operates in India's gig economy by selling mandatory workwear to its workers, increasing revenue significantly. Rather than focusing solely on customer acquisition, the company monetizes its own workforce effectively. This practice has contributed to the company's operational revenue despite existing losses. The approach may redefine how companies engage with gig workers in the future. Such strategies highlight emerging business models in the evolving economy.

Nandan Nilekani calls for expanding Account Aggregators to reach street vendors for access credit

Nandan Nilekani emphasizes the importance of expanding the Account Aggregator framework to include self-employed individuals. He highlights the need for access to formal credit for gig workers and street vendors. By incorporating diverse financial information sources, the framework could better assess creditworthiness. Nilekani also stresses a sustainable business model for Account Aggregators to ensure sustainability. This expansion aims to create a more inclusive digital financial infrastructure in India.

Snabbit employee, auto driver husband earn Rs 1 lakh a month; child studies at school with Rs 1.5 lakh fees

A Snabbit senior director’s LinkedIn post about a woman employee’s earnings has sparked discussion about women’s financial independence and the gig economy. He said the employee and her auto-driver husband now earn a combined Rs 80,000 to Rs 1 lakh monthly, enabling them to afford school fees of Rs 1.5 lakh a year for their child. Social media users highlighted the wider impact of women’s employment on families.

Majority of food delivery, quick commerce riders seek clean restrooms, eating spaces: Report

According to a report by UPZY, a start-up that seeks to address a basic problem faced by gig workers, 68% of riders work 10 hours or more a day, highlighting the long working hours that are a regular part of their daily lives.

Majority of food delivery, quick-commerce riders seek clean restrooms, eating spaces: Report

A recent survey indicates that gig economy riders in India desire access to clean restrooms and seating areas. Many workers frequently operate for extended periods, often exceeding ten hours each day, during their shifts. A significant portion of respondents live away from their families, which impacts their daily experiences. The survey highlights the need for improved facilities to enhance the overall working environment.

As India Inc wants staff to dress the part, uniforms become all the rage

India's B2B apparel market is growing rapidly, reaching $2.1 billion and more than doubling in recent years. Companies now seek smart uniforms for their employees to project a brand image and ensure safety. The gig economy is creating new demand for uniforms as delivery workers and service professionals become increasingly visible. The overall apparel industry is also expected to grow significantly, reaching $146 billion by 2029.

Ecommerce firms scale logistics, hiring ahead of festive sales

Flipkart’s logistics arm Ekart has added 14 million cubic feet of warehousing space nationwide, increasing its storage capacity by 50%, the company said on Tuesday. The Walmart-backed company also added more than 900 delivery hubs to its last-mile network.

India must rethink cross-border payments beyond corridors, put customers first: Deloitte

A shift from corridor-led expansion to customer-centric design forms the core principle needed to drive the next stage of India's cross-border payment ecosystem, according to a report by Deloitte.

Festive season likely to create 2-2.5 lakh jobs in H2 2026: Report

Mumbai anticipates creating 2 to 2.5 lakh seasonal and gig jobs by late 2026. Festive hiring is projected to increase by fifteen to twenty percent during this period. Businesses in e-commerce and retail are preparing for heightened consumer demand. Tier II and III cities will contribute forty-five percent of total festive hiring needs. This expansion offers new employment opportunities beyond traditional urban talent pools.

Gig workers turn to tax filing as TDS refunds offer cash, financial records

Gig platforms are integrating tax filing assistance into their apps. Many delivery partners receive tax refunds after deductions at source. This service helps workers establish formal financial records for credit applications. Platforms like Zomato and Swiggy facilitate these filings for numerous partners. This shift signifies growing tax compliance within India's gig economy.

Industry divided over lifting 60 kg cap for low-speed electric two-wheelers

The proposed rule change, which raises the motor power threshold from 250W to 600W while retaining the 25 kmph speed ceiling, has also triggered concerns over Chinese imports, vehicle testing, and enforcement in a segment increasingly used for last-mile and gig-economy mobility.

Pension Sakhis to take retirement security cover to rural India

The Department of Rural Development and PFRDA will create Pension Sakhis across rural India. These women will facilitate pension enrolment and retirement planning for SHG members. The initiative aims to improve financial inclusion and long-term savings in rural areas. Digital dashboards and mobile solutions will strengthen outreach and monitor progress effectively. This collaboration supports sustainable prosperity and economic advancement for rural households.

Gig-worker levy: Turnover-linked formula seen as more proportionate than transaction-based levy, say Analysts

India’s proposed social-security contribution model for gig workers could have vastly different effects across platforms. Analysts say a payout-linked levy could disproportionately hit high-volume ride-hailing businesses, potentially exceeding their turnover, while a turnover-based formula would better reflect an aggregator’s economic capacity.

Rising fuel prices push gig workers towards fixed-pay, lower-cost jobs

Gig workers are now more selective about jobs due to rising operating costs. Many are shifting to roles offering predictable earnings or lower expenses. Employers are expanding incentives and EV-linked opportunities to attract delivery workers. Job postings for electric vehicle roles and fixed-pay positions have seen significant growth. This trend indicates a move towards more sustainable gig work as a livelihood.