India’s gig internet workforce may reach 17-21 million by 2030, says Bengaluru firm Redseer

India’s monthly active gig internet workforce is expected to expand from over six million today to 17-21 million by 2030.

Across delivery, ride-hailing and home services, full-time gig workers earn, on an average, up to 2.5 times the monthly net income of workers in comparable formal and informal occupations, according to Redseer Strategy Consultants, a Bengaluru-based research firm.

In their latest report, Gig Internet Workforce in India: Bridge to around 20 Million Livelihoods, the firm said that platform-enabled gig work is set to emerge as a key driver of livelihood creation and a significant component of India’s non-farm workforce over the next decade.

Redseer found that digital platforms have evolved beyond just offering flexible work arrangements and have become an accessible entry point into the labour market. Digital platforms are increasingly serving as a source of supplementary income for employed individuals and as a stepping stone for people pursuing higher education, entrepreneurship or even career transitions, it said.

Gig economy offered first job for many

Redseer found that some 54% of the surveyed gig workers were not in paid employment before joining digital platforms, thereby indicating the sector’s role in expanding workforce participation by lowering entry barriers through flexible work schedules, digital onboarding and faster access to income.

It estimates that more than 30% of gig workers by 2030 will be first-time entrants to the workforce. Redseer also found that nearly 70% of surveyed workers believed that their experience on gig platforms had improved their future earning prospects by helping them acquire transferable skills, build verifiable work experience and access wider employment opportunities.

According to Redseer’s survey, there exists three categories of workers in the digital gig economy: gig first workers, parallel earners and goal driven transitioners.

Manish, a 32-year-old cook based in Bengaluru, also a gig worker, said, “Earlier I worked as a cook in the morning and a security guard at night. Along with cooking, I drive 2W taxi for three to four hours in the evening and sometimes on weekends to earn additional earnings. At times my earnings from gig work even exceed my earnings as a cook. I’ll keep doing this along with my main job because the extra earnings help.’’

Mr. Manish is also anticipating to find a better gig so that he can start saving money for his children’s education.

Honnur, a 23-year-old woman nursing student based in Davangere, also a gig worker, said, “I am studying nursing and was looking for a way to earn money to help pay back my college fees, since I cannot depend on my family for the same. At gig work, I usually do food delivery for three to four hours a day after my classes. The flexibility helps me balance my college schedule while still earning for my expenses.”

He said once he completes his studies he would move into a full-time job. On findings, Kushal Bhatnagar, Partner at Redseer Strategy Consultants, said that the growth of the gig economy reflects the increasing demand for flexible work arrangements that enable individuals to enter the workforce, supplement household incomes and pursue long-term career goals.

He added that collaboration between digital platforms and policymakers would be important to strengthen welfare measures, financial protection and broader workforce participation.

It was noted that welfare support within the gig ecosystem has become more structured through platform-led initiatives such as accident insurance, emergency assistance and skill development programmes.

Redseer added that while the implementation of the Code on Social Security marks progress towards formal recognition and portable social protection for gig workers, greater awareness and utilisation of welfare schemes remain necessary, and targets need to be chased.

Women participation in gig on the rise

Redseer also identified increasing women’s participation, in the 18 to 35 age bracket, and reported gig economy was witnessing gender diversification. Factors such as improved digital literacy, safety measures, flexibility and access, etc. are making the gig economy more inclusive.