The gig economy in India: growth, challenges and the way forward

Gig economy refers to a labour market characterised by the prevalence of short-term contracts, freelance or project-based work, and temporary or on-demand jobs for workers who are not on the rolls of any company or firm. In recent years, the changing employer employee relationship has led to emergence of gig economy across the world. This has brought in various pertinent issues related to workers, employers and the economy in general. This paper enumerates the factors that have led to the growth of gig economy in India, the risks and the challenges faced by the companies or platforms who use gig services and the workers who are not in a nine to five job. This paper has listed and critically examined the policy measures which have been taken by the Government of India to support the gig workers. The study concludes by giving certain policy recommendations and implications for the benefit of the gig economy.