CeRAI calls for human-centric AI in gig work

In a thoughtful conversation at the AI4India podcast, Krishnan Narayanan and Omir Kumar from the Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI), IIT Madras discussed the role of digital platforms and AI technologies reshaping work for millions of gig workers in India.

- TBG NETWORK

While unpacking their new research report titled, “The Algorithmic Manager: AI, Apps, and Workers in the Indian Gig Economy”, they also discussed how the often-overlooked human realities play behind the algorithms driving the sector. Omir Kumar, Policy Analyst at CeRAI, explained that gig work is one of India’s fastest-growing sourees of employment, with projections estimating over 2.35 crore blue-collar gig workers by 2029-30. Yet, despite the sector's scale, he noted, “Not enough attention has been paid to the technology that actually powers this ecosystem.” Drawing from his experience at Zomato and his policy research background, Kumar said the study was motivated by a desire to understand how AI, automation, and app-based systems manage workers, and how workers themselves perceive these systems. Krishnan Narayanan, Researcher, CeRAI added that the research also fits i