Police assault on Ex-JNV student: Are students working as Gig workers safe in India?

A recent incident in Guwahati, Assam has shocked the whole state where a Police officer, Officer in Charge (OC) of Panbazar, Guwahati beat a 22-year-old student pursuing his graduation from Cotton University in a public place for a minor traffic rule violation. The student, who happens to be a Gig worker, faced the worst behaviour from the Police officer. This incident not only questions the unruly behaviour of the State executives but also asks deeper questions about the safety of the Gig workers. In the past 5 years, these professions have increased in various parts of the country.

The significance of Gig workers may be understood by the fact that they contribute to 5% of the country’s workforce in the upcoming years. In the present scenario, many students or unemployed youth, often fulfil their daily economic needs through such professions. But, there lies a void in laws protecting their rights. This incident leaves us with deeper questions: Are students working as Gig workers not safe in India? Do Gig workers become victims of state machinery in the worst manner? Are there no laws protecting their sanctity and safety?

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Police assault on Ex-JNV student: What really happened?

Gyandeep Hazarika, a former student of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Sonitpur, Assam, currently studying at Cotton University, Assam, works as a gig worker, often taking up delivery jobs. On the night of November 15th, 2024, in a rush to complete delivery on time, he inadvertently entered a no-entry zone in Fancy Bazaar, Guwahati. After knowing his mistake, he tried to rush from the area as soon as possible, but he was summoned by the Officer-in-Charge (OC) and other police officials.

Upon arrival, he was subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault by the OC. The incident, witnessed by bystanders, was captured on video, showcasing the OC’s aggressive behaviour towards the young delivery boy. Residents and spectators of the incident expressed shock and disapproval at the officer’s excessive use of force and harsh language for a minor traffic violation.

The incident involving Gyandeep Hazarika has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation. Many have questioned the disproportionate response of the police officer and called for accountability. The incident highlights the need for law enforcement officials to exercise restraint and professionalism, even in minor situations. It also underscores the challenges faced by the students working as young gig workers, who often work under immense pressure to meet deadlines and are often seen to be vulnerable to such mistreatment.

The plight of students working as Gig workers

The precarious situation of gig workers in India, particularly students, is alarming. These temporary workers, often overlooked and unprotected, face numerous challenges, including physical and verbal abuse. The case of Gyandeep Hazarika highlights the vulnerabilities of young people who take up gig work to support themselves.

While his parents were unaware of his part-time job, his decision to work as a delivery agent reveals the economic pressures faced by many students. Such incidents not only spark public outrage but also raise serious questions about the legal framework safeguarding gig workers.

Recent reports clearly show the growing concerns around the safety of gig workers. In October 2023, the East Asia Forum highlighted occupational health and safety risks for platform workers in India. In a recent incident in Sushant Golf City, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, a delivery boy was brutally assaulted by armed men for a late delivery. Similar cases have been reported in Tinsukia and Noida, where gig workers were attacked for minor issues. These incidents highlight the urgent need for stronger regulations and protection for gig workers in India.

Legal Security for Gig Workers

The gig workers of India are protected by various laws in India. Though the legal framework is in its initial stages, still India is among the few countries which have done so. A few of them include:

• Code on Social Security, 2020: Defines a gig worker as someone who works outside of a traditional employer-employee relationship. The Code also provides for benefits such as life and disability cover, accident insurance, and health and maternity benefits.
• Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023: Introduced by Rajasthan, this law established a welfare board and unique IDs for workers.
• Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill-2024: Provides provisions against unjust dismissal of gig workers and a dispute resolution mechanism.

The concern is not about laws. When students or even women are part of this industry, it requires special attention to its strict implementation. With the rate at which cases against them are rising, the executives must come up with special laws regarding their safety and regulation. In an era, when the unemployment rate is rising, many youths have opted for such a profession for their part-time economic viability.

Conclusion

The plight of Gyandeep or anyone facing such assault, is the voice of each hardworking youth of the country. As all of the citizens believe in democracy and the structure of the institution that runs it, such behaviour often jeopardizes the ethos and philosophy of this system. The local people and organisations such as the JNV Alumni Association must be given credit for taking prompt action towards the support of the victim.

According to Niti Aayog‘s report, in 2020-21, 7.7 million people worked in India’s gig economy. By 2029-30, that number is expected to grow to 23.5 million. By 2030, gig workers are expected to make up 6.7% of the non-agricultural workforce and 4.1% of India’s total livelihood. As these data suggest the importance of the Gig economy for our country, the assault on the students or minors, contributing to this economy will have long time negative impacts. When leaders say they want “Viksit Bharat”, Bharat must include each and every section of the country, otherwise these slogans will just run for the leading campaign, not for the overall growth of the country.

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