India's gig internet workforce set to triple to 17-21 million by 2030: report

India's monthly active gig internet workforce is expected to expand from over six million today to 17-21 million by 2030, according to a report by Redseer Strategy Consultants, a Bengaluru-based research firm.

The report, titled 'Gig Internet Workforce in India: Bridge to around 20 Million Livelihoods', highlights that platform-enabled gig work is poised to become a key driver of livelihood creation and a significant component of India's non-farm workforce over the next decade.

Redseer found that full-time gig workers in delivery, ride-hailing and home services earn, on average, up to 2.5 times the monthly net income of workers in comparable formal and informal occupations. Digital platforms have evolved beyond offering flexible work arrangements, becoming an accessible entry point into the labour market, and a source of supplementary income for employed individuals as well as a stepping stone for those pursuing higher education, entrepreneurship or career transitions.

The survey revealed that 54% of gig workers were not in paid employment before joining digital platforms, indicating the sector's role in expanding workforce participation by lowering entry barriers through flexible schedules, digital onboarding and faster access to income. Redseer estimates that more than 30% of gig workers by 2030 will be first-time entrants to the workforce. Nearly 70% of surveyed workers believed that their experience on gig platforms improved their future earning prospects by helping them acquire transferable skills, build verifiable work experience and access wider employment opportunities.

The report categorises workers into three types: gig first workers, parallel earners and goal-driven transitioners. Manish, a 32-year-old cook and gig worker from Bengaluru, said his earnings from gig work sometimes exceed his income as a cook, and he plans to continue for extra earnings to save for his children's education. Honnur, a 23-year-old nursing student from Davangere, does food delivery for three to four hours daily after classes to pay her college fees, and plans to transition to a full-time job after completing studies.

Kushal Bhatnagar, Partner at Redseer, said the growth of the gig economy reflects increasing demand for flexible work arrangements that enable individuals to enter the workforce, supplement incomes and pursue long-term goals. He emphasised that collaboration between digital platforms and policymakers is important to strengthen welfare measures, financial protection and broader workforce participation.

Welfare support within the gig ecosystem has become more structured through platform-led initiatives such as accident insurance, emergency assistance and skill development programmes. While the implementation of the Code on Social Security marks progress towards formal recognition and portable social protection for gig workers, the report notes that greater awareness and utilisation of welfare schemes remain necessary.

The report also highlighted increasing women's participation in the gig economy, though specific figures were not provided in the available excerpt.