India Faces a Future With Plenty of Work, Fewer Jobs

In India, there is plenty of work to do, but fewer steady jobs than before.

A steady job usually means working for one company for many years with a fixed salary.

Many young people spend years studying for government exams because these jobs pay well and feel safe, but only one or two out of every hundred people pass.

Meanwhile, private companies often do not pay young workers very much.

Some people are counted as working even if they only help on a family farm or deliver packages sometimes, so they may not have a real income.

New app-based 'gig' jobs, like booking a cleaner or a driver, are growing quickly.

These jobs are flexible, but workers say they cannot always take breaks or leave, and they get penalized through the app.

India chose not to sign a new world agreement called ILO Convention No.

193, which would give app workers more protection.

Experts say India needs to make sure flexible work is also fair, safe, and decent for everyone.