Beyond Earnings: A Study of Social Security and Economic Welfare Among Gig Workers in India

The growth of the gig economy has changed the way employment is organized in India. Work that was earlier performed mainly through regular employer–employee relationships is increasingly being delivered through short-term, task-based, freelance and platform-mediated arrangements. This change has created new earning opportunities, especially in transport, delivery, home services, online freelancing and other service activities. At the same time, it has raised an important economic question: whether the expansion of employment opportunities is accompanied by adequate social security and improvement in workers’ economic welfare. The present paper examines this question with special reference to gig workers in India. The study is based on secondary data and information published by NITI Aayog, the Government of India and the International Labour Organization. NITI Aayog estimated 7.7 million gig workers in 2020–21 and projected that the number could reach 23.5 million by 2029–30. The paper discusses the changing size of the gig workforce, the skill profile of workers, income uncertainty, health and accident risks, retirement security, maternity-related protection, access to welfare schemes and the emerging policy framework. Particular attention is given to the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the e-Shram initiative. The paper argues that flexibility and employment generation are important advantages of gig work, but welfare cannot be measured only through earnings. Social protection, income stability, occupational safety, portability of benefits and access to institutional support are equally important. The paper concludes that a sustainable gig economy requires a balance between flexibility for platforms and adequate protection for workers.