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Platform-based Gig Work in India’s Labour Statistics

Author

Listed:
  • Fahin Faras

    (Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad)

  • Balwant Singh Mehta

    (Institute for Human Development)

  • Amrita Datta

    (Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad)

Abstract

Platform-based gig work is rapidly growing in India and has become a significant component of the economy. Existing labour force surveys are unable to accurately capture this new and emerging form of work. This paper discusses conceptual and definitional issues related to gig work in labour statistics and critically reviews existing studies and estimates of India’s gig workforce. Drawing on recent experiences of several countries, the paper documents conceptual and practical lessons for updating and enhancing India’s labour force surveys for better data collection on gig workers. In doing so, the paper offers an approach to help quantify the size of the gig workforce and provide insights into the diverse and heterogeneous nature of gig work that would enable policymakers to design and implement targeted policies and programmes to improve the well-being of these workers.

Suggested Citation

  • Fahin Faras & Balwant Singh Mehta & Amrita Datta, 2025. "Platform-based Gig Work in India’s Labour Statistics," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 68(1), pages 323-337, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijlaec:v:68:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s41027-025-00566-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s41027-025-00566-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jim Stanford, 2017. "The resurgence of gig work: Historical and theoretical perspectives," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 28(3), pages 382-401, September.
    2. Balwant Singh Mehta, 2023. "Changing Nature of Work and the Gig Economy: Theory and Debate," FIIB Business Review, , vol. 12(3), pages 227-237, September.
    3. Katarzyna Cieslik & Roland Banya & Bhaskar Vira, 2022. "Offline contexts of online jobs: Platform drivers, decent work, and informality in Lagos, Nigeria," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 40(4), July.
    4. Datta, Namita & Rong, Chen & Singh, Sunamika & Stinshoff, Clara & Iacob, Nadina & Nigatu, Natnael Simachew & Nxumalo, Mpumelelo & Klimaviciute, Luka, 2023. "Working Without Borders: The Promise and Peril of Online Gig Work," Jobs Group Papers, Notes, and Guides 32573393, The World Bank.
    5. Gerald Friedman, 2014. "Workers without employers: shadow corporations and the rise of the gig economy," Review of Keynesian Economics, Edward Elgar Publishing, vol. 2(2), pages 171-188, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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