India's gig workforce expected to surge to 2.3 crore by 2030

India is revising its approach to labour force surveys to account for the explosive growth expected in the gig economy over the coming years. Government projections indicate the country's gig workforce could reach 23 million workers by 2030, underscoring the need for more accurate tracking and classification methods.

The shift in survey methodology reflects the evolving nature of work in India, where platform-based employment has become an increasingly significant component of the overall labour market. Traditional survey instruments were designed primarily to capture conventional employment relationships and may not adequately represent workers engaged through digital platforms and informal arrangements.

As of March 10, 2026, Maharashtra emerged as the leading state in platform worker registration, with 1.38 lakh workers enrolled on the e-Shram portal—the government's national database for unorganised workers. The portal has become a critical tool for tracking and providing social security coverage to workers outside the formal employment sector.

The anticipated expansion of gig work reflects broader economic trends, including increased smartphone penetration, digital payment adoption, and shifting consumer preferences for on-demand services across India. Enhanced survey capabilities will enable policymakers to develop more targeted labour regulations and social protection schemes suited to platform-based workers' specific needs.

Photo: A Swiggy delivery partner on a scooter in Bengaluru, January 2026. SerChevalerie via Wikimedia Commons (CC0).