Platform-based Gig Work in India’s Labour Statistics

Fahin Faras (), Balwant Singh Mehta () and Amrita Datta ()
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Fahin Faras: Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad
Balwant Singh Mehta: Institute for Human Development
Amrita Datta: Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad

The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, 2025, vol. 68, issue 1, No 16, 323-337

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: Gig economy; Gig work; Platform work; Labour statistics; Labour surveys; Measurement of gig work; J21; J46; J44; O17 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s41027-025-00566-0

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