India's Gig Workforce: Charting A Distinct Regulatory Future

1. Introduction

India's gig workforce is projected to grow from 1 crore in 2024-25 to 2.35 crore by 2029-2030, with over 30.98 crore unorganised workers registering themselves over the e-Shram portal, including 3.37 lakh platform workers¹. The rise of gig and platform workers has turned the gig economy into one of the biggest drivers of flexible employment in India, especially in major cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru. It has reshaped traditional work structures that were once built around fixed-term contracts. Delivery-led unicorn start-ups, in particular, have grown at breakneck speed, employing lakhs of workers who serve as the operational backbone of these companies. While the gig economy offers a greater sense of freedom along with new sources of income, critics have been quick to point out concerns about the overall welfare of such workers. The objective of this article is to guide stakeholders through the evolving regulatory landscape and