Archive · 30 Jul 2026
India Abstains from ILO Gig Workers Convention, Tharoor Criticizes
India decided not to vote for a new rule that would help people who work for app companies, like food delivery or ride‑sharing.
The rule, made by the International Labour Organization, says gig workers should get a fair wage and safety rules.
Shashi Tharoor, a member of Parliament, said this was a big mistake and called it a national disgrace.
India has a huge number of gig workers, about 120 lakh, and many people want better protection for them.
The rule was approved by most countries, but 36 countries, including India, chose not to support it.
India abstained from voting on the ILO Convention on decent work in the platform economy.
The convention, adopted June 12, 2024, sets binding minimum wage, safety, and social security standards for gig workers.
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP, called the abstention a national disgrace and urged India to adopt the standards.
India has one of the world's largest gig economies, with 120 lakh workers in FY2025.
The ILO vote passed 406 in favor, 8 against, with 36 members, including India, abstaining.
- Who
- Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP
- What
- India abstained from voting on the ILO Convention on decent work in the platform economy
- When
- June 12, 2024
- Where
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Why
- Tharoor argues the abstention ignores global standards protecting gig workers
- ILO Convention Date
- June 12, 2024
- Vote Result
- 406 in favor, 8 against, 36 abstentions
- India's Gig Workers FY2025
- 120 lakh
- Shashi Tharoor
- Congress MP
- India's Abstention
- Abstained from vote