Nitesh Kumar Das, Organising Secretary of Gig Workers Association (GigWA), said that the association will protest if the demands are not met.
BluSmart’s sudden suspension of services has left over 10,000 driver partners without income, sparking widespread confusion and outrage. The unexpected shutdown has affected not only daily commuters but also sparked outrage among the platform’s drivers, who say they were not informed in advance.
The Gig Workers Association (GigWA) raised strong concerns about the sudden suspension of BluSmart’s services and said that drivers have been left without clarity on their employment status. The association alleged that numerous drivers are still waiting for pending payments and the weekly incentives of Rs 8,000 that the company had promised.
As per the GigWA statement, the BluSmart drivers are also demanding immediate disbursal of their pending arrears.
“The Gig Workers Association (GigWA) expresses deep concern over the abrupt suspension of operations by BluSmart, a major electric ride-hailing service in India. This unexpected halt has left thousands of drivers without income or clarity about their employment status,” it said in a statement.
The suspension comes after the allegations by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) against BluSmart’s co-founder. Anmol Jaggi, for misappropriating funds intended for electric vehicle procurement. SEBI has initiated a forensic investigation into Gensol, the affiliated company involved in the alleged financial irregularities.
GigWA, on behalf of BluSmart drivers, has also demanded “immediate compensation equivalent to three months’ income to all affected drivers, ensuring financial stability during this period of uncertainty.”
They have also urged the company to arrange alternative employment opportunities for affected workers at BluSmart.
“…Offer alternative employment opportunities or facilitate job placements for the displaced drivers to mitigate the impact on their livelihoods,” it said.
“The sudden cessation of BluSmart’s services has not only disrupted the lives of its drivers but also raised concerns about the accountability of platform-based companies towards their workforce,” it said.