India weighs separate PLFS category for gig and platform workers
A proposed PLFS methodology update could create a distinct official category for gig and platform workers, improving data used for social-security policy across delivery, ride-hailing and freelance platforms. India’s gig workforce was estimated at 120 lakh in FY25.
What happened
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) · India is considering adding gig and platform workers as a separate PLFS category, potentially improving official workforce
Key facts
- 77 lakh gig workers in FY21
- 120 lakh gig workers in FY25
- 55% increase from FY21 to FY25
- Over 2% of India's total workforce
- Non-agricultural gigs projected at 6.7% of workforce by 2029-30
What changed
India is considering adding gig and platform workers as a separate PLFS category, potentially improving official workforce data and social-security policy design for delivery, ride-hailing and freelance platforms.
Why this matters
A separate PLFS category would give delivery-led retailers a clearer benchmark for gig-worker availability, wages and benefit exposure as social-security rules evolve.
What to watch
- Release of revised PLFS methodology, questionnaire language and first publication date for gig/platform-worker estimates.
- Ministry of Labour or state rules defining platform-worker registration, welfare-board contributions, insurance and benefit portability.
- State-by-state implementation of the Code on Social Security provisions affecting aggregators.
- Changes in rider/driver incentives, acceptance rates, churn and peak-hour availability at major delivery and ride-hailing platforms.
- Evidence that platforms add or raise customer delivery charges, merchant fees or minimum-order thresholds.