Srinagar food delivery riders earn flexibility but little security, study finds

A new study of food delivery workers in Srinagar finds that platform jobs are giving young people in Kashmir an income route, but one marked by uncertain pay, rising running costs and almost no safety net. The research surveyed 71 male riders using structured questionnaires.

The paper, titled 'Working Conditions, Financial Resilience and Job Motivation in the Gig Economy', describes a young workforce, with most participants in the 18-34 age bracket. In a region where unemployment is a persistent concern, delivery apps offer something conventional hiring often does not: quick entry and the freedom to choose working hours.

That freedom comes with a cost. Riders use their own vehicles and pay for fuel and maintenance, which the study says eats into earnings and leaves workers unhappy with returns despite long hours and heavy travel. Workers value autonomy but are frustrated by pay levels and the lack of a career ladder.

For a morning-briefing reader tracking the economy, the finding is a useful reality check on the gig model. Platform work can lift participation and keep young people earning, but when workers carry the capital and operating costs, take-home income can be thin and volatile.

Financial resilience among respondents was rated moderate. The researchers say it came less from steady income and more from financial literacy, personal money management and help from family and social networks. That leaves riders exposed to medical emergencies, unexpected expenses and slow periods.

Health risks are also flagged. Long hours and extensive travel raise the chances of fatigue, road accidents and musculoskeletal problems, while income swings and workload pressure add to stress.

On platform support, 50.70 per cent of respondents felt their companies helped adequately in disputes or emergencies, while 15.49 per cent found the help insufficient. The authors see that gap as a case for clearer grievance-redressal systems and conclude that the current setup is unsustainable without policy intervention. The positive takeaway for policymakers and platforms is that the demand for this work is clearly there; the opportunity lies in making it more secure. Read the original report at Rising Kashmir.

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