Recognition and Statistics of Gig and Platform Workers in India
Despite official recognition of gig and platform workers in the 2025 Union Budget, significant gaps remain in how these workers are statistically represented, impacting their access to social protection schemes.
Legal Framework and Definitions
- Code on Social Security, 2020:
- Gig Worker: Defined as someone earning through activities outside traditional employer-employee relationships.
- Platform Work: Work via online platforms to solve specific problems or provide services, distinct from traditional employment.
Statistical Representation Challenges
- Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), 2025:
- Fails to distinctly categorize gig workers, subsuming them under terms like ‘self-employed’ or ‘casual labour’.
- Classification challenges lead to uneven access to social security schemes.
Policy and Social Security Initiatives
- Social Security Fund: Established for gig and platform workers under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
- National Social Security Board: Oversees welfare schemes for gig workers, relying on PLFS for policy data.
PLFS Methodology and Gaps
- Current Classification: Gig economy activities are included under economic activity but lack specific categorization.
- Survey Limitations:
- Does not account for the hybrid nature of gig work.
- Fails to capture unique characteristics like algorithm dependence and task-based employment.
Recommendations
- Update PLFS classification codes to accurately represent gig workers.
- Introduce survey modules that capture specific nature of gig work.
Conclusion
Without specific recognition in statistical surveys like the PLFS, policy initiatives for gig workers cannot be effectively monitored or supported. Ensuring accurate data collection is crucial for inclusive policymaking.
