Written and Edited by: Ritanjana Chaudhury
Illustrated by: Sunaina Lala
How does it feel to order your favorite meal, hailing a cab, or booking a service professional with a tap on your phone?
The convenience feels effortless, yet it rests on the labor of an unseen workforce: gig workers. In India, the gig economy is rapidly expanding, expected to employ 23.5 million workers by 2029-30. Beneath this growth lies a complex reality shaped by resilience, opportunity, and persistent challenges.
Rajesh, a food delivery executive in Delhi, begins his day at 7 a.m. and works until midnight. On good days, he earns ₹700, but on bad days, his income barely covers his fuel costs. Rajesh lives in constant fear of falling ill because health insurance is an unaffordable luxury. His situation mirrors that of countless others, with 75% of gig workers in India earning less than ₹18,000 per month and 83% lacking access to basic health and medical coverage.
In Mumbai, Pooja, a beautician and single mother, juggles her responsibilities while working with an app-based platform. The flexibility allows her to work around her son’s school schedule, a significant advantage in her circumstances. Yet, her financial stability is anything but assured. On some days, an opaque algorithm leaves her with no assignments, and with no formal contract, she has little recourse to address this unpredictability.
Arif, an app-based cab driver in Bengaluru, shares a similarly arduous reality. He works 14-hour days just to make ends meet, with no social security or paid leave. After a recent accident, he was forced to sell his wife’s jewelry to cover medical expenses. Like him, 93% of gig workers in India operate without formal job contracts, leaving them exposed to the risks of a system that prioritizes convenience over protection.
Despite these challenges, the gig economy has also opened doors for many, particularly women. About 30% of women gig workers credit these platforms with newfound financial independence. Kavita, a home chef from Jaipur, turned her passion for cooking into a steady income stream by partnering with a food delivery app. Her earnings now support her children’s education, exemplifying the potential of these platforms to empower individuals.
The stories of Rajesh, Pooja, Arif, and Kavita reflect both the possibilities and the pitfalls of the gig economy. While it provides flexibility and opportunities for financial growth, it also exposes workers to significant vulnerabilities. Governments and platforms need to take collective action to address these gaps. The Code on Social Security, 2020, which aims to extend benefits such as provident funds and medical coverage to gig workers, holds promise but requires effective implementation to make a tangible difference. At the same time, platforms can play a crucial role by introducing affordable insurance options, ensuring fair pay structures, and increasing transparency in assignment algorithms.
As consumers, we have the responsibility to contribute meaningfully. We must ensure that we are doing our part. Small acts, such as tipping generously, rating workers fairly, and amplifying their concerns on social media, can make a difference in their lives. Rajesh’s long days could feel less daunting with a kind gesture, and Pooja’s son often reminds customers how a thoughtful tip helps sustain their family.
India’s digital revolution has placed the gig economy at the heart of its economic transformation. Recognizing the contributions of gig workers and addressing their struggles becomes not just a moral imperative but also an economic necessity. The next time your meal arrives or your ride concludes, take a moment to think about the human effort behind the service. Their stories, often drowned in the rush of progress, deserve to be heard. Only by acknowledging and amplifying these voices can we create an economy that works for everyone, not just the fortunate few.
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