The Morning Brief When Grinch Almost Stole Gig Workers' Christmas
Jan 8, 2026
In a compelling discussion, Kartik Narayan, CEO of apna.co, and Anshul Prakash, Labour and Benefits Partner at Khaitan & Co, explore the complexities of India's gig economy. They highlight the precarious balance between flexibility and exploitation, advocating for 'empowered flexibility'. The guests discuss the urgent need for worker protections, scrutinize the new labour codes that acknowledge gig workers yet limit their rights, and emphasize the importance of state enforcement in shaping future outcomes. What does the future hold for worker welfare?
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Empowered Flexibility As A Middle Path
- Kartik Narayan calls the debate too reductive and proposes 'empowered flexibility' as a middle path.
- He argues for formalising gig work so workers keep flexibility without being exploited.
Why The Gig Debate Splits
- Defenders emphasise gig work as vital opportunity for unemployable youth, while critics focus on dignity and transferred risks.
- The divide stems from labour surplus versus concerns about career ladders and algorithmic risk-shifting.
Make Worker Welfare A Standard Cost
- Employers should treat worker welfare as a standardised line item to reduce churn and protect service quality.
- Kartik suggests platforms and clients already see welfare (insurance, healthcare) becoming routine.