THE SIZE AND THE DISTRIBUTION

23.5 mn: The expected size of the gig workforce by 2029-30. That's 6.7% of non-farm workforce.

7.7 mn: Estimated gig economy workforce in 2020-21. That's 2.6% of non-farm workforce in India

Industrial distribution

2.7 mn gig workers in retail trade and sale, 1.3 million in transportation sector 600,000 in manufacturing, another 600,000 in finance and insurance

Retail sector saw an increase of 1.5 mn workers from 2011-12 to 2019-20, transport sector 800,000 and manufacturing 400,000 during the same period

In education, expansion was from 66,000 to more than 100,000 by 2019-20

Currently about 47% of gig workers are in mediumskilled jobs, 22% in highly-skilled, and 31% in low-skilled jobs

Trend shows concentration of workers in medium skills is declining, that of low-skilled and high-skilled is increasing

THE CHALLENGES GIG WORKERS FACE

Lack of job security, irregular wages, and uncertain employment status

Limited access to internet and digital technology

Contractual relationship wuth platform owners

Stress due to pressure from algorithmic management practices and performance evaluation on basis of ratings

LIKELY SOLUTIONS TO THEIR PROBLEMS

More access to institutional credit for platform workers and those interested in setting up own platforms

Unsecured loans extended to first-time borrowers may be classified as priority sector lending

Skill development of youth and workforce to make them employable

Govts can ensure universal coverage of platform workers through the Code on Social Security

Paid sick leave, health access and insurance for gig workers

Occupational Disease and Work Accident Insurance to all delivery and driver partners

Retirement/pension plans and other contingency benefits:

Source: Report on India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy By

NITI Aayog