THE GIG ECONOMY IN INDIA: WHERE LABOUR LAW FAILS AND MANAGEMENT MUST STEP UP

India's gig economy has grown at a fast pace and has created new employment opportunities, but has also left a lot of room for labour protection issues. While gig and platform workers were recognised under the Social Security framework there remain issues regarding implementation, income security, algorithmic management and social welfare. This article outlines the current legal structure that is inadequate and discusses the new policy proposals that are on the horizon, and then concludes that legislation is not enough to guarantee worker welfare. It argues that there is a need to build a more sustainable future for reforming digital platforms, drawing on labour law, management theory, and recent changes in regulation, and proposes a vision of responsible governance that should be balanced between technological innovation and fairness, accountability and long-term worker well-being.