India's rapidly expanding gig economy is grappling with significant challenges as its traditional labor laws prove inadequate in protecting the rights and ensuring the social security of its vast workforce. The Deccan Herald article, published on January 17, 2026, accurately highlights how conventional economic frameworks fail to address the unique dynamics of gig work, leading to pervasive income insecurity, precarious working conditions, and exploitation for millions across the country. Gig workers are frequently classified as 'partners' or 'independent contractors' rather than formal 'employees,' a distinction that allows platform aggregators to circumvent traditional employer responsibilities, consequently denying workers essential benefits such as minimum wages, paid leave, health insurance, and retirement plans. While the Code on Social Security, 2020, marked a significant legislative step by formally recognizing gig and platform workers and aiming to extend some social security benefits, its implementation has been criticized as staggered and its provisions often insufficient. Crucially, the code does not reclassify gig workers as employees, thereby denying them the full spectrum of traditional labor rights, and its eligibility criteria, such as minimum working days, are contentious and may exclude many vulnerable workers. Recent nationwide strikes by gig workers in December 2025 underscored the widespread discontent, with demands focusing on fair pay, safer working conditions, and the discontinuation of the dangerous 10-minute delivery model. Following these protests, the government has reportedly scrapped the contentious 10-minute delivery mandate, offering some relief to the workers. These ongoing developments emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive policy interventions to ensure income stability, dignity, and a robust social security net for India's growing gig workforce, which NITI Aayog projects to expand to 23.5 million by 2030.