Textiles among other industries transforming to gig in India

A gig worker is defined by the Indian Ministry of Labour as “a person who engages in income-earning activities outside of a traditional employer-employee relationship, as well as in the informal sector.” The gig economy has extended its presence noticeably in a host of industries like textiles, banking and financial services, electricity, gas and water, real estate, IT and ITES, education, and personal services, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation, which was quoted in the paper titled ‘India's Booming Gig and Platform Economy’.

Vertical mobility can be enabled by the gradual upskilling of workers via digital platforms, which renders a positive impact on the ecosystem. The study, which was conducted by public policy think tank NITI Aayog, gives the example of fashion sellers on Myntra, a major Indian fashion e-commerce company. These fashion sellers are trained via an in-house entrepreneurship programme and are able to become more successful as a result of their now-enhanced skills.

The study also stressed on the need to improve transferable skills like effective communication and financial literacy, so that workers are provided with the opportunity for horizontal mobility as well. Among the several recommendations put forth by the study, transformational and outcome-based skill-building via digital platforms and socially inclusive measures like gender sensitisation and accessibility awareness programmes were emphasised for the benefit of gig workers.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (NB)