As of May 23, 2025, India urgently needs a National Student Work Policy to regulate and protect the growing number of students working on and off campus, particularly in urban hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. With 40% of India’s 41 million higher education students engaging in part-time jobs, internships, or gig work, the absence of standardized guidelines leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, unsafe conditions, and academic burnout, necessitating a robust framework to ensure their welfare.

The Growing Trend of Student Employment

India’s student workforce is booming, driven by rising education costs and a gig economy offering roles like delivery agents, tutors, and freelance coders. On-campus jobs, such as library assistants or lab technicians, and off-campus gigs, like Swiggy delivery or content creation, help students earn ₹10,000–₹25,000 monthly, per a 2024 Nasscom report. However, lack of regulation exposes students to issues like unpaid wages, excessive hours, and unsafe workplaces. A 2025 Delhi University survey found 60% of working students faced stress impacting grades, while X posts highlight cases of students working 12-hour shifts without contracts.

Why a National Policy is Critical

A National Student Work Policy would set boundaries: capping work hours at 20 per week, ensuring minimum wages (₹150–₹200/hour), and mandating safe work environments. It could draw from models like the U.S.’s Federal Work-Study Program, which balances academic and job commitments. On-campus jobs need oversight to prevent exploitation by institutions, while off-campus gigs require labor law protections. The policy could also integrate mental health support and academic flexibility, addressing the 30% dropout risk among working students, per a 2025 UGC study. X users urge, “Students need rights, not just jobs!”

Challenges and Solutions

Resistance from gig platforms and cash-strapped institutions, coupled with enforcement gaps, poses challenges. A policy could mandate campus work councils, digital job portals for transparency, and tax incentives for compliant employers. States like Karnataka, with 70% student employment in tech hubs, could pilot programs. Collaboration between the Ministry of Education and Labour Ministry is key to align with NEP 2020’s skill-building goals.

The Path Forward

With India’s youth driving economic growth, a National Student Work Policy is vital to protect their rights, health, and education. By setting clear standards, India can empower its 16 million working students, ensuring they thrive both academically and professionally.

-By Manoj H