India’s monthly active gig internet workforce is expected to grow from over six million to 17-21 million by 2030, according to a new report by Bengaluru-based Redseer Strategy Consultants.
The report, titled Gig Internet Workforce in India: Bridge to around 20 Million Livelihoods, states that full-time gig workers in delivery, ride-hailing and home services earn up to 2.5 times the monthly net income of workers in comparable formal and informal occupations.
Redseer found that 54 percent of surveyed gig workers were not in paid employment before joining digital platforms. It estimates that more than 30 percent of gig workers by 2030 will be first-time entrants to the workforce. Nearly 70 percent of those surveyed said platform experience had improved their future earning prospects.
Kushal Bhatnagar, Partner at Redseer, said collaboration between platforms and policymakers would be important to strengthen welfare measures. The report also noted rising participation by women aged 18 to 35, driven by improved digital literacy and safety measures.