Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, on Monday drew attention to the difficulties faced by gig workers in India, including cab drivers and delivery agents. He shared a video shared on X, showing his interaction with an Uber driver and his subsequent meet with the driver’s family.
The video, spanning over 11 minutes, features Gandhi taking a cab ride and conversing with the driver, who hails from Etah, Uttar Pradesh. The driver details his difficulties, including inadequate earnings, low rates, and a lack of social security. He also reveals that he is considering returning to his village due to these challenges.
In his X post, Gandhi described the plight of India’s gig workers as one of 'hand to mouth income', lacking savings or security for their families' futures. He stated in Hindi, "They are barely surviving on 'hand to mouth income' — no savings and no foundation for the family's future." Gandhi pledged that Congress governments in various states would create robust policies to address these issues. Furthermore, he assured that the INDIA bloc would work towards nationwide implementation of these measures.
Gandhi also highlighted a specific example of policy action from Congress-ruled Rajasthan, where the government has mandated pensions for gig workers. He engaged in a discussion with Sunil Upadhyay, a representative of the gig worker community, who underscored the need for fair income and the establishment of a minimum wage.
Following the ride, Gandhi visited the driver’s family for lunch at a Delhi restaurant. He emphasised that Congress governments are actively considering the needs of gig workers and assured that the INDIA 'janbandhan' would ensure comprehensive implementation of supportive policies.
Gandhi concluded by reaffirming his dedication to securing social benefits for gig workers and their families, promising that Congress governments would address their economic hardships through effective policy reforms.