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India’s gig sector has surged, with the Economic Survey 2025‑26 reporting a 55% rise in gig workers to 1.2 crore in FY25, up from 77 lakh in FY21, driven by smartphone adoption and digital payments. Gig workers now exceed 2% of the nation’s total workforce, and non‑agricultural gig jobs are projected to reach 6.7% of employment by 2029‑30.
Despite rapid growth, income instability remains a major issue: roughly 40% of gig workers earn less than Rs 15,000 per month. Platform algorithms dictate work allocation, performance monitoring, wages, and supply‑demand matching, prompting concerns over algorithmic bias, burnout, and worker vulnerability.
The Survey urges stronger competition rules, algorithmic transparency, and safeguards such as minimum per‑hour or per‑task earnings and limits on incentives that sidestep mandatory benefits. Recent labor actions, including a December 31 strike by food‑delivery and quick‑commerce staff, underscore rising demands for fair pay and safer conditions.
Looking ahead, the rise of agentic AI and autonomous shopping is reshaping delivery work, intensifying efficiency pressures and highlighting the need for reskilling. Policymakers and platforms will be watching how regulatory measures, AI‑driven task allocation, and worker upskilling evolve to protect gig labor while sustaining sector growth. [[1, 2]]