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Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
Zepto workers' strike: In India's gig economy, the continuing struggle for dignity
In the past week, hundreds of Zepto delivery workers in Hyderabad have gone on an indefinite strike. Their demands are basic: Fair pay, decent working hours, social security, and dignity. These are not new demands, nor are they unreasonable. Coordinated by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union (TGPWU), the strike follows a growing pattern of worker unrest across India's platform economy — from Blinkit to Swiggy — where the promise of entrepreneurial freedom has worn thin under the weight of wage theft, surveillance, and hyper-precarity. In Delhi, 50 Zepto workers recently filed a complaint alleging they were lured from rural areas with promises of ₹30,000 per month, free food, and accommodation. Upon arrival, they faced substandard living conditions, pay cuts, and withheld wages. Zepto has since responded with a familiar script: Distancing itself from the workers through legalistic disavowals. 'We are a technology platform,' the company claims. 'Vendors are responsible for hiring and payment.' This arm's-length logic is by design. It allows platforms to maintain granular algorithmic control — via GPS tracking, performance ratings, and app-based scheduling — while denying any legal responsibility as employers, as has been documented by People's Union for Democratic Rights' Report 2021. Meanwhile, Zepto Cafe pausing services in some locations, thereby affecting 44 stores and 700 gig workers, shows platform capital treats labour as disposable — plugged into the supply chain when needed, discarded when not. It's not just a pause; it's the logic of exploitation in motion. These are not isolated incidents of corporate malfeasance. They reveal something far more structural: The hollowness of India's legal and policy framework for gig and platform workers. Despite repeated gestures toward recognition — most recently in the Union Budget 2025 and the Code on Social Security, 2020 — India's gig and platform workers remain in a zone of legal abandonment. The Zepto strike shatters the illusion that formal recognition in law translates into material rights. State as database manager, not protector The contradictions in India's approach to platform labour are stark. In 2008, the Unorganised Workers' Social Security Act was passed to provide a basic welfare framework for workers outside the formal economy. It defined 'unorganised workers' broadly enough to arguably include gig workers. Yet, when Senior Advocate S Muralidhar recently appeared before the Supreme Court on behalf of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), the petition did not even seek relief — it sought a mere clarification. Do gig workers fall under the Act's scope? The fact that this question still lacks a definitive legal answer reveals the abyss in which workers are suspended. The 2020 Code on Social Security was hailed as a breakthrough: It was the first time 'gig and platform workers' were defined in Indian law [Section 2(35) and 2(61), respectively]. Yet this recognition remains inert. The Code has never been notified, which means it has no legal force. Meanwhile, the government insists that schemes under the Code are 'being formulated.' This formulation has now been 'ongoing' for over four years. Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, two key schemes were envisioned for gig and platform workers: National Social Security Board for Gig and Platform Workers: A body meant to recommend and oversee social security schemes for gig workers without ensuring universal social security for platform workers. Voluntary Registration and Contribution-Based Welfare: The Code allows for workers to self-register on a central portal. Aggregators (platform companies like Zepto, Swiggy, Ola, etc.) are expected to register their workers on the e-Shram portal. Upon registration, platform workers will receive a Universal Account Number (UAN), which will allow them access to key social security benefits. The e-Shram portal, introduced in 2021, was supposed to be a central database for unorganised workers, including gig workers. But data without rights is surveillance, not welfare. Registration has not translated into healthcare, accident insurance, or pension. The machinery of welfare exists on paper but is void of substance. The contradiction is clear: Gig workers are visible enough to be surveyed, counted, and claimed as beneficiaries in policy announcements. But they remain invisible in enforcement, excluded from labour protections, and denied bargaining rights. Beyond welfare: The struggle for power Despite the Centre's inaction, certain states have begun experimenting with more robust protections for gig and platform workers — signaling that labour governance may be forced from the margins inward. In 2023, Rajasthan enacted the Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, mandating the creation of a welfare board and compelling platforms to contribute to a dedicated welfare fund. Karnataka followed in 2024 with the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, proposing a welfare cess ranging from 1 per cent to 5 per cent on each transaction or payout made by platforms to gig workers. The state government aims to operationalise the gig workers' welfare fund by August 2025. These subnational laws reflect growing political recognition of gig workers as a distinct labour constituency — one increasingly vocal, organised, and electorally visible. Yet their success depends on implementation, especially amid pushback from industry lobbies and jurisdictional ambiguities over labour regulation in a federal setup. Nonetheless, these initiatives challenge the Centre's narrative of policy sufficiency and demonstrate that meaningful recognition can — and must — begin with redistributing control, not merely registering the governed. Proposals like the 2 per cent deduction from workers' earnings for social security raise further concerns. Without enforceable benefits, such deductions are not contributions — they are taxes on the poor. Moreover, corporate executives are candid in acknowledging that any costs related to worker welfare are ultimately passed on to consumers, revealing the inherent limits of voluntary corporate social responsibility. In this way, the state's role has shifted from genuinely transforming the gig economy to managing its precarious consequences: Offering health insurance or social security schemes funded through deductions may provide temporary relief, but these measures merely patch the symptoms of a deeper problem — platform business models that systematically externalise labour costs and evade employer responsibilities. Recognition becomes a technique of pacification, not empowerment. This is the new face of labour governance under platform capitalism: Symbolic inclusion in exchange for structural abandonment. The ongoing protests go beyond demands for welfare — they call for dignity, accountability, and control over working conditions. Gig workers are not seeking handouts but power: The right to unionise, bargain collectively, and reject exploitation. The Zepto strike, like recent actions at Swiggy and Blinkit, exposes the hollowness of legal recognition without enforceable rights. Unless the labour codes are implemented and platforms held accountable, India's digital economy will remain a site of extraction. Real recognition must begin by acknowledging gig workers not as data points or beneficiaries, but as rights-bearing workers demanding justice and dignity. The writer is Visiting Fellow at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) and editor of the book Feminist Perspectives on Social Media
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India Makes Strides in Reducing Maternal and Child Mortality, Nearing SDG 2030 Targets
New Delhi: India continues to make significant strides in improving maternal and child health, with a notable reduction in key health indicators, according to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021, released by the Registrar General of India (RGI) on 7th May 2025. These developments are critical as India works towards achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2030 targets. The report highlights a substantial decrease in the Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR), which has fallen by 37 points from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 93 in 2019-21. This achievement marks a steady downward trend towards India's goal of reducing MMR to 70 per lakh live births by 2030. In addition, child mortality rates continue to decline, with the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) dropping from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 27 per 1000 live births in 2021. Similarly, the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has decreased from 26 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 19 per 1000 live births in 2021. The Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has also seen significant improvement, declining from 45 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 31 per 1000 live births in 2021. India's fertility rate remains consistent at 2.0 in 2021, showing a steady trajectory toward demographic stabilization. The Sex Ratio at Birth has improved from 899 in 2014 to 913 in 2021, further highlighting progress in gender equity. The report indicates that eight states have already achieved the SDG target for MMR (<=70), including Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Additionally, twelve states/UTs have attained the SDG target for U5MR (<=25), while six states/UTs have already met the SDG target for NMR (<=12). According to the United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-agency Group (UN-MMEIG) Report 2000-2023, India has reduced its MMR by 86 per cent from 1990 to 2023, compared to the global reduction of 48 per cent during the same period. Similarly, India's performance in reducing Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR), and Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) surpasses global reductions. The Union Health Ministry stated that flagship health schemes like Ayushman Bharat, have played a crucial role in improving maternal and child health. Ayushman Bharat, the world's largest health assurance initiative, provides financial coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per family, ensuring access to essential services. "Strategic interventions focus on ensuring that every pregnant woman receives free institutional deliveries, including caesarean sections, along with complimentary transport, medication, diagnostics, and nutritional support in public health facilities. The establishment of specialized health infrastructure, including Maternity Waiting Homes, Obstetric High Dependency Units (HDUs), Sick Newborn Care Units (SNCUs), and Newborn Stabilization Units (NBSUs), has contributed to improved maternal and child survival outcomes," the statement added. Further informed that significant advancements were seen in clinical practices, such as the administration of antenatal corticosteroids for preterm labor and the use of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for neonatal care. These measures have helped ensure safe pregnancies and healthy live births for millions of families each year. Ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare is a top priority. The Ministry of Health has strengthened healthcare infrastructure, trained skilled birth attendants, midwives, and community health workers, and implemented quality certification programs to enhance healthcare services across the country. Additionally, digital platforms have been integrated into the health system for real-time surveillance, enabling data-driven, evidence-based decision-making that further strengthens maternal and child health policies.
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Business Standard
10-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
India sees improvement in maternal, child health, says 2021 SRS report
India has witnessed a significant improvement in key maternal and child health indicators between 2014 and 2021, according to a Health Ministry statement. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined by 37 points from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 93 in 2019-21, the statement mentioned, citing the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021 released by the Registrar General of India (RGI) on Wednesday. Similarly, the downward trend of child mortality indicators continued. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has dropped from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 27 per 1000 live births in 2021. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has declined from 26 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 19 per 1000 live births in 2021. Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has also improved, dropping from 45 in 2014 to 31 per 1000 live births in 2021. The Sex Ratio at Birth also improved between 2014 and 2031, getting better from 899 to 913, respectively. Total Fertility Rate is consistent at 2.0 in 2021, which is a notable progress from 2.3 in 2014. According to the SRS 2021 Report, eight states have already attained the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of MMR (less than or equal to 70 by 2030). Kerala (20), Maharashtra (38), Telangana (45), Andhra Pradesh (46), Tamil Nadu (49), Jharkhand (51), Gujarat (53), and Karnataka (63) are among the top performers. The Ministry also said that 12 states and UT have already attained SDG target of U5MR (less than 25 by 2030): Kerala (8), Delhi (14), Tamil Nadu (14), Jammu & Kashmir (16), Maharashtra (16), West Bengal (20), Karnataka (21), Punjab (22), Telangana (22), Himachal Pradesh (23), Andhra Pradesh (24) and Gujarat (24). Besides, six states and one UT have already attained the SDG target of NMR (less than 12 by 2030): Kerala (4), Delhi (8), Tamil Nadu (9), Maharashtra (11), Jammu & Kashmir (12) and Himachal Pradesh (12). Further, India's progress in the reduction of maternal and child mortality indicators has outpaced global averages, the Ministry said in its statement. As per the current United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-agency Group (UN-MMEIG) Report 2000-2023, India's MMR has reduced by 23 points from 2020 to 2023. By this achievement, MMR of India has now declined by 86 per cent compared to the global reduction of 48 per cent over the past 33 years from 1990 to 2023, the statement said. Significant achievement has been highlighted in the reduction of Child Mortality in India in the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN-IGME) Report 2024. The UN-IGME report said India achieved a 78 per cent decline in the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), surpassing the global reduction of 61 per cent; 70 per cent decline in the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) compared to 54% globally, and 71 per cent decline in the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) compared to 58 per cent globally, over the past 33 years from 1990 to 2023.
The Print
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Print
India sees improvement in maternal, child health indicators, says 2021 SRS report
The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined by 37 points from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 93 in 2019-21, the statement mentioned, citing the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021 released by the Registrar General of India (RGI) on Wednesday. New Delhi, May 10 (PTI) India has witnessed a significant improvement in key maternal and child health indicators between 2014 and 2021, according to a Health Ministry statement. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has dropped from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 27 per 1000 live births in 2021. The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has declined from 26 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 19 per 1000 live births in 2021. Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has also improved, dropping from 45 in 2014 to 31 per 1000 live births in 2021. The Sex Ratio at Birth also improved between 2014 and 2031, getting better from 899 to 913, respectively. Total Fertility Rate is consistent at 2.0 in 2021, which is a notable progress from 2.3 in 2014. According to the SRS 2021 Report, eight states have already attained the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of MMR (less than or equal to 70 by 2030). Kerala (20), Maharashtra (38), Telangana (45), Andhra Pradesh (46), Tamil Nadu (49), Jharkhand (51), Gujarat (53), and Karnataka (63) are among the top performers. The Ministry also said that 12 states and UT have already attained SDG target of U5MR (less than 25 by 2030): Kerala (8), Delhi (14), Tamil Nadu (14), Jammu & Kashmir (16), Maharashtra (16), West Bengal (20), Karnataka (21), Punjab (22), Telangana (22), Himachal Pradesh (23), Andhra Pradesh (24) and Gujarat (24). Besides, six states and one UT have already attained the SDG target of NMR (less than 12 by 2030): Kerala (4), Delhi (8), Tamil Nadu (9), Maharashtra (11), Jammu & Kashmir (12) and Himachal Pradesh (12). Further, India's progress in the reduction of maternal and child mortality indicators has outpaced global averages, the Ministry said in its statement. As per the current United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-agency Group (UN-MMEIG) Report 2000-2023, India's MMR has reduced by 23 points from 2020 to 2023. By this achievement, MMR of India has now declined by 86 per cent compared to the global reduction of 48 per cent over the past 33 years from 1990 to 2023, the statement said. Significant achievement has been highlighted in the reduction of Child Mortality in India in the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN-IGME) Report 2024. The UN-IGME report said India achieved a 78 per cent decline in the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), surpassing the global reduction of 61 per cent; 70 per cent decline in the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) compared to 54% globally, and 71 per cent decline in the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) compared to 58 per cent globally, over the past 33 years from 1990 to 2023. PTI PLB AMJ AMJ This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
India sees improvement in maternal, child health indicators, says 2021 SRS report
India has witnessed a significant improvement in key maternal and child health indicators between 2014 and 2021, according to a Health Ministry statement. The Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) has declined by 37 points from 130 per lakh live births in 2014-16 to 93 in 2019-21, the statement mentioned, citing the Sample Registration System (SRS) Report 2021 released by the Registrar General of India (RGI) on Wednesday. #Operation Sindoor India-Pakistan Clash Live Updates| Missiles, shelling, and attacks — here's all that's happening Pakistani Air Force jet shot down in Pathankot by Indian Air Defence: Sources India on high alert: What's shut, who's on leave, and state-wise emergency measures Similarly, the downward trend of child mortality indicators continued. The Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) has dropped from 39 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 27 per 1000 live births in 2021. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) has declined from 26 per 1000 live births in 2014 to 19 per 1000 live births in 2021. Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR) has also improved, dropping from 45 in 2014 to 31 per 1000 live births in 2021. The Sex Ratio at Birth also improved between 2014 and 2031, getting better from 899 to 913, respectively. Total Fertility Rate is consistent at 2.0 in 2021, which is a notable progress from 2.3 in 2014. Live Events According to the SRS 2021 Report, eight states have already attained the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target of MMR (less than or equal to 70 by 2030). Kerala (20), Maharashtra (38), Telangana (45), Andhra Pradesh (46), Tamil Nadu (49), Jharkhand (51), Gujarat (53), and Karnataka (63) are among the top performers. The Ministry also said that 12 states and UT have already attained SDG target of U5MR (less than 25 by 2030): Kerala (8), Delhi (14), Tamil Nadu (14), Jammu & Kashmir (16), Maharashtra (16), West Bengal (20), Karnataka (21), Punjab (22), Telangana (22), Himachal Pradesh (23), Andhra Pradesh (24) and Gujarat (24). Besides, six states and one UT have already attained the SDG target of NMR (less than 12 by 2030): Kerala (4), Delhi (8), Tamil Nadu (9), Maharashtra (11), Jammu & Kashmir (12) and Himachal Pradesh (12). Further, India's progress in the reduction of maternal and child mortality indicators has outpaced global averages, the Ministry said in its statement. As per the current United Nations Maternal Mortality Estimation Inter-agency Group (UN-MMEIG) Report 2000-2023, India's MMR has reduced by 23 points from 2020 to 2023. By this achievement, MMR of India has now declined by 86 per cent compared to the global reduction of 48 per cent over the past 33 years from 1990 to 2023, the statement said. Significant achievement has been highlighted in the reduction of Child Mortality in India in the United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN-IGME) Report 2024. The UN-IGME report said India achieved a 78 per cent decline in the Under-Five Mortality Rate (U5MR), surpassing the global reduction of 61 per cent; 70 per cent decline in the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) compared to 54% globally, and 71 per cent decline in the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) compared to 58 per cent globally, over the past 33 years from 1990 to 2023.
