Why gig work matters

Gig work is seen as new, but it is merely computer-intermediated informal sector labour supply. It is much like the bulk of the Indian labour market, which engages in informal labour arrangements. Relatively little is available by way of estimates of the number of workers, hours supplied, monthly income, etc. A survey conducted by the Centre for Internet and Society suggests that in one kind of gig work (deliveries) net of all expenses, the income is Rs 15,200 per month. According to a recent NITI Aayog policy brief, it is about 7.7 million, which is a drop in the bucket, given the 440 million-strong Indian labour force. However, it i