Do 70% of Gig Worker Households Report Increased Disposable Incomes?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 70% of gig worker households are experiencing increased disposable incomes.
- Investment in gig workers by major companies is leading to enhanced job security.
- Transparency in earnings and safety measures is improving the gig economy.
- Women are increasingly participating in gig work due to better conditions.
- Collaboration among stakeholders is essential for further development.
New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) Approximately 70% of households with gig workers indicate a rise in their disposable incomes, fueled by stable earning models and regular work opportunities, according to a report released on Friday.
The study from the think tank Empower India revealed that both major domestic and international companies are investing in gig workers, paving the way for a future where flexibility and protection coexist, contradicting narratives that depict India’s gig economy as unstable.
Contrary to fostering insecurity, India’s largest retail and e-commerce firms are facilitating this transition through transparent earnings, technology-driven safety systems, integration with social security frameworks, and organized career advancement, the report highlighted.
Prominent platforms such as Amazon, Delhivery, and Reliance Retail are implementing transparent earnings, technology-enabled safety measures, social security integrations, and structured career paths.
“Efforts by international unions to disrupt this progress fail to grasp the realities of India and, paradoxically, jeopardize the very worker welfare they profess to support,” stated K. Giri, Director General of Empower India.
Giri emphasized that companies operating within the gig economy are establishing safer work environments, clear income structures, and genuine mobility, describing it as a responsible labor practice occurring on a large scale in India.
The report underscored enhanced integration with social protection systems like e-SHRAM and employer-provided insurance.
It also noted a rise in female participation due to improved safety measures and flexible working options, as well as broader access to skills and mobility pathways.
These developments challenge generalized assertions depicting gig work in India as uniformly unsafe or exploitative, the report pointed out.
The effective implementation of India’s labor codes depends on more robust collaboration between trade organizations, policymakers, and major corporations, according to the think tank.
These firms have already digitally empowered millions of MSMEs, created numerous part-time and seasonal positions, and offered predictable income prospects for a gig workforce expected to grow to 23.5 million by 2030, as stated.