India's gig workforce may triple to 23.5 million by 2029-30, says NITI Aayog
25 October 2026 · 2 min read · HireHo
Based on NITI Aayog's 2022 report on India's gig and platform economy, as reported by the Indian government's IndBiz portal and others. Summarised in our own words.
77 lakhgig workers at the time of the report (2020-21)
2.35 croreprojected by 2029-30
1.5% to 4.1%share of India's workforce, now to FY30
Skill mix of gig jobs
Medium-skilled+47%
Low-skilled+31%
High-skilled+22%
NITI Aayog, the government's policy think tank, published a report in June 2022 on India's gig and platform economy. It said India then had about 77 lakh (7.7 million) gig workers and projected that number to reach about 2.35 crore (23.5 million) by 2029-30, roughly three times higher.
What the report says
- Gig workers were about 1.5% of India's total workforce and could reach 4.1% by FY30.
- About 47% of gig jobs are medium-skilled, 31% low-skilled and 22% high-skilled.
- It recommended extending social security such as sick leave, insurance and pension to gig workers and their families.
- It also recommended access to finance, including loans based on cash flow and a focus on first-time borrowers.
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How to read it
This is a projection from 2022, not a count of today's gig workers. Another report quoted by the Tribune said the gig economy could employ over one crore workers in 2024-25. Counts differ because there is no single agreed definition of who is a gig worker.
What it means for workers
- Gig work is growing, and policy is slowly catching up. The new Social Security rules of 2026 are part of that. Read our explainer on the 90-day condition.
- Keep your own record of days worked and earnings. It helps with eligibility and loans.
- Do not depend on one platform if you can avoid it. Spread your work and learn a second skill.
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SourcesIndBiz (Government of India): India's gig economy to have 23.5 million workers by 2029-30: NITI AayogThe Tribune: Gig workers to be covered under Ayushman BharatHireHo explains these reports in its own words. Figures belong to the sources above.
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