Parliament Question: Gig and Platform Wokers

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5055 TO BE ANSWERED ON 23.03.2026 GIG AND PLATFORM WOKERS 5055. SHRI SACHITHANANTHAM R: Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state: (a) the details of estimated number of gig and platform workers currently employed in the country, State/UT and sector-wise; (b) whether the Government has made any projections regarding the likely increase in the number of gig workers in the next three years and if so, the details thereof; (c) whether the Government has received any reports or conducted any studies indicating that a large section of gig workers are underemployed due to the non-availability of adequate and decent employment opportunities in the country and if so, the details thereof; and (d) the details of average daily wages or earnings of gig workers in the country, State/UT and sector-wise? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE) (a) to (d): For the first time, the definition of ‘gig workers’ and ‘platform workers’ and provisions related to the same have been provided in the Code on Social Security, 2020 which has come into force on 21.11.2025. As per the Code, the ‘gig worker’ has been defined as a person who performs work or participates in a work arrangement and earns from such activities outside of traditional employer-employee relationship. As per an estimation by NITI Aayog vide its report titled “India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy” published in June 2022, the number of gig workers and platform workers in the country was 7.7 million in 2020-21 which is expected to rise to 23.5 million by 2029-30. As per this report, the number of gig workers and platform workers in the country are expected to rise by 16.2 million by 2026- 27, 18.4 million by 2027-28 and 20.8 million by 2028-29. Contd..2/-:: 2 :: The Code provides for framing of suitable welfare schemes for gig workers and platform workers on matters relating to life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, old age protection, etc. The Code provides for setting up a Social Security Fund to finance these welfare schemes. The Code also has provisions to constitute a National Social Security Board for the purposes of the welfare of gig workers and platform workers. *****