In a significant step toward improving labour protections in the gig economy, the Government of Kerala has issued a proposal to include “Online Delivery Services” under the ambit of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. This move aims to ensure fair wages for thousands of delivery personnel working across food, grocery, and e-commerce platforms in the state.
📝 What the Notification Says
As per the official proposal notification:
- Currently, no minimum wage is fixed for employment in online delivery services under the Minimum Wages Act.
- The state government believes that such a wage floor is necessary for this sector.
- Using powers granted under Section 27 of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, Kerala proposes to add “Online Delivery Services” to Part I of the Schedule to the Act.
Once added, the state can legally fix minimum wage rates for delivery workers employed by aggregators, app-based platforms, and related logistics services.
🗣️ Public Feedback Invited
The government is seeking objections or suggestions from stakeholders—including gig workers, platform companies, labour unions, and the public.
- 🗓️ Deadline: Within 3 months from the date of publication in the Official Gazette OCTOBER 9, 2025.
- 📨 Send feedback to:
Special Secretary to Government
Labour and Skills (E) Department
Government Secretariat
Thiruvananthapuram – 695 001
🚴♂️ Why This Matters
This proposal comes at a time when online delivery services have become a core part of the urban economy, especially post-pandemic. Yet, workers in this sector often lack formal protections like:
- Guaranteed minimum wages
- Social security coverage
- Regulated working hours
- Occupational safety norms
By bringing online delivery jobs under the Minimum Wages Act, the Kerala government sets a precedent for recognising gig workers as part of the formal workforce, with rights and safeguards similar to those in traditional employment.
🧾 What’s Next?
If the proposal is finalised after the consultation period:
- Online delivery workers in Kerala will be officially recognised under the law.
- The state can then notify sector-specific minimum wage rates, enforceable across delivery platforms operating in Kerala.
✅ Conclusion
Kerala’s move is a landmark effort in extending legal wage protection to one of the most vulnerable and informal segments of today’s digital economy. It invites a national conversation on how gig and platform workers are classified, compensated, and protected.