The Gig Economy in India: Insights and Challenges
The gig economy is a rapidly evolving sector characterized by short-term contracts and freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs. The changing business landscape has significantly impacted gig workers, elucidated through various narratives and research.
Key Narratives and Literature
- Zwigato - A 2022 Hindi movie directed by Nandita Das, portraying the life of a food delivery agent. It highlights the pressures of meeting targets, low wages, and job insecurity faced by gig workers.
- OTP Please: Online Buyers, Sellers and Gig Workers in South Asia - A book by Vandana Vasudevan exploring the emotions of multiple stakeholders in the gig economy across South Asia. It discusses how technology has eased modern living but also questions the consequences of instant gratification.
- Gig Economy in India Rising: Gen X-Millennial-Z - A 2020 book by Amitava Ghosh focusing on the prospects of the gig economy and its implications for work-life balance.
Statistics and Predictions
- NITI Aayog’s 2022 report projects the gig workforce in India to grow from 7.7 million in 2020-21 to 23.5 million by 2029-30.
- The Indian digital economy is expected to be worth $1 trillion in the next five years.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Precarity and Lack of Support - The gig economy lacks sufficient legal support and presents significant challenges in terms of job security and fair wages.
- Algorithmic Management - Gig workers often operate under algorithmic management, which can be oppressive and lacks transparency.
- COVID-19 Impact - The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards AI-based digitized gig jobs.
Broader Implications
- The gig economy raises important questions about the sustainability of flexible work models and the erosion of traditional full-time jobs.
- There is a noticeable shift in consumer and worker dynamics, leading to a decline in personal connections and interactions.
The gig economy's growth demands deeper understanding and research, particularly in India, to address the complexities and challenges faced by the workforce.