The gig economy's rapid expansion in recent years has significantly altered India's labor sector. Due
to the creation of new job opportunities, digital platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Ola, and Urban
Company have significantly contributed to this change. Instead of permanent employment, gig work
usually consists of short-term, task-based contracts that provide flexible working hours. This
approach has grown to be a significant source of revenue and a means of subsistence for many
individuals. The number of gig workers in India has increased significantly over the last ten years,
and estimates indicate that by 2030, there may be about 23.5 million of them. This new type of work
offers access to technology-driven work systems, flexibility, and more earning potential, but it
also poses serious difficulties. Many gig workers are apprehensive about their steady income and job
security. Furthermore, they frequently do not have access to clear regulatory protections and social
security benefits, which raises significant concerns for worker rights and welfare in the changing
labor market. This study examines the growth, structural characteristics, and socio-economic
implications of gig employment in India, with particular reference to platform-based food delivery
services. It analyzes trends in gig worker participation, sectoral distribution, gender dimensions,
and formalization patterns. The research further highlights the encounters faced by gig workers,
including absence of labor rights, health risks, and financial vulnerability. By adopting a
mixed-methods approach, the study provides both quantitative and qualitative insights into the
evolving nature of platform work. The findings emphasize the imperative need for policy reforms that
balance technological innovation with worker protection to ensure inclusive and sustainable labor
market development.
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