The Name Behind the Delivery
For millions of app-based workers in India, their name is more than just an identity. It can influence whether customers treat them respectfully, cancel orders, or leave poor ratings. In recent years, some delivery workers and ride-hailing partners have begun shortening or modifying their names on digital platforms to avoid religious prejudice.
A worker named Mohammad may choose to display “MD,” while others use initials or nicknames that reveal less about their background. This small change is a practical response to a larger problem: discrimination in the gig economy.
India’s Gig Economy Is Expanding Rapidly
India’s platform economy has transformed how services are delivered. Food delivery, grocery logistics, taxi services, and home maintenance apps have created employment opportunities for millions.
According to estimates cited by policy bodies such as NITI Aayog, the number of gig workers in India is expected to rise significantly over the next decade. These workers enjoy flexibility, but they often lack job security, insurance, and legal protection.
Discrimination Through Ratings and Cancellations
Customer ratings are crucial for platform workers. A few low ratings can reduce job opportunities and earnings. Some workers report that visible religious names may lead to order cancellations or biased reviews.
Because platforms depend heavily on algorithm-driven performance scores, even subtle prejudice can have real financial consequences. To reduce this risk, workers adopt strategies such as shortening names or using initials.
Survival Strategies in a Competitive System
For many gig workers, income is unpredictable and margins are thin. Fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and platform commissions leave little room for error.
Changing how a name appears on an app is a low-cost strategy that may help workers avoid discrimination and maintain a stable stream of orders. It reflects the difficult choices workers make to adapt to a highly competitive environment.
The Human Cost of Platform Work
While digital platforms offer employment opportunities, they also expose workers to stress, uncertainty, and social bias. Workers must maintain high ratings, accept difficult assignments, and navigate customer behavior with limited support.
The issue of name masking shows that economic survival can require workers to hide parts of their identity, raising broader questions about equality and dignity in the workplace.
Calls for Stronger Protections
Labour advocates and worker unions continue to push for better protections, including social security, transparent grievance systems, and anti-discrimination safeguards.
Several states, including Rajasthan, have taken steps toward improving welfare measures for gig workers. However, many protections are still evolving, and implementation remains uneven.
A Reflection of Modern India
The story of workers changing “Mohammad” to “MD” reveals how technology and social realities intersect. Even in a digitally connected economy, workers continue to face challenges linked to identity and bias.
As India’s gig economy grows, ensuring fairness and respect for all workers will be essential to building a more inclusive future.
