🚧 Are Gig Workers Invisible in India's Labour Data? 🚧

India’s booming gig economy—made up of delivery partners, drivers, freelancers, and platform-based workers—is a cornerstone of urban convenience and economic agility. Yet, a pressing question remains:

Are gig workers even counted as part of India’s formal labour force?

As of today, they mostly aren’t.

Despite contributing significantly to the digital and service economy, gig workers are often left out of official labour surveys like the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). Classified ambiguously as "casual" or "self-employed," their unique needs and risks remain overlooked in national policy.

💡 The issues:

❌ No distinct category for gig workers in PLFS

🧮 Lack of accurate data = poor policy targeting

🏥 Minimal access to social security, insurance, or job stability

⚙️ Dependence on opaque algorithms = variable, unpredictable income

Some states like Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan have taken pioneering steps—like dedicated resting pods and welfare policies—but without central recognition and data inclusion, these efforts won’t scale.

✅ What’s Needed?

📊 Update national surveys to count gig workers as a separate category

💻 Ensure algorithmic transparency and fairness on digital platforms

🛡️ Create universal social security frameworks for platform workers

📈 Recognize gig work as a legitimate part of India's economic backbone

As we move toward an AI-driven and digital-first economy, formal recognition of gig workers isn't just policy—it's justice.

Let’s build a future where every worker counts.

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