India’s platform-based gig workforce could more than triple to 17-21 million by 2030 from more than six million currently, making gig work an increasingly important source of livelihood creation, according to a report by Redseer Strategy Consultants.
The report examines the growth of platform-based work across delivery, ride-hailing and home services. Platform work is increasingly becoming an entry point into employment, particularly for people who were previously outside paid work.
More than half, or 54 per cent, of surveyed gig workers were not in paid employment before joining a platform. First-time workers are expected to account for more than 30 per cent of India’s projected gig workforce by 2030.
The platforms are also enabling workers to supplement household income and navigate career transitions, while offering an alternative to traditional employment structures.
Full-time gig workers earn up to 2.5 times the monthly net income of comparable formal and informal workers across delivery, ride-hailing and home-services roles, according to the report.
Nearly 70 per cent of surveyed workers said their platform experience had improved their future earning prospects. Transferable skills, verifiable work experience and greater exposure to employment opportunities were among the factors workers associated with improved future prospects.
More than 90 per cent of monthly active gig workers choose to work part-time, highlighting flexibility as a key feature of platform-based employment.
Part-time participation enables workers to combine gig work with education, entrepreneurship and other career goals. For some workers, platforms also serve as an additional source of income or a transitional employment option.
Social protection within the gig economy is becoming more structured, with platforms increasingly providing benefits such as accident insurance, emergency assistance and skills training.
The Code on Social Security has also created a framework for greater recognition of gig workers and portable social protection. However, awareness and uptake of available government welfare schemes remain challenges.
Women’s participation remains relatively low across most segments of the gig economy. Home services have recorded comparatively stronger participation by women, highlighting the potential for greater inclusion in platform work.
Improved digital literacy, safety measures, flexible working options and access to opportunities could help increase female participation.
With the gig workforce projected to reach as many as 21 million by 2030, platform-based employment is expected to become a larger part of India’s non-farm workforce, while creating new pathways into employment for first-time workers and those transitioning between careers.
