Kerala to Open Rest Centres for Gig Economy Workers in Three Cities

The State Labour Ministry has unveiled plans to set up rest centres catering specifically to gig economy workers in three cities, marking a significant policy shift toward supporting the growing informal workforce. The move comes as part of the newly elected UDF government's accelerated development agenda during its first 100 days in office.

The rest hubs are designed to provide gig workers—including auto-rickshaw drivers, delivery personnel, and other informal sector workers—with spaces to take breaks, access basic facilities, and potentially receive support services. Officials indicated that the centres would address long-standing concerns about workplace amenities and worker welfare in the gig economy.

According to the State Labour Minister's office, the government plans to evaluate the response and utilisation of the initial three hubs before deciding on wider expansion. The scaling of the project will depend on feedback from workers and the success metrics established during the pilot phase.

The initiative reflects growing recognition across Indian states of the need for targeted policies addressing gig workers' unique challenges, including lack of fixed workplaces and limited access to conventional workplace amenities. Kerala's move positions it among the states actively exploring structured support mechanisms for informal sector employment.