Archive · 24 Sep 2026
PLFS May Add Gig Workers as Separate Workforce Category
India is considering counting gig workers separately in its main job survey.
Gig workers include people doing delivery, ridesharing and freelance work.
The survey is called the PLFS.
It already tracks groups such as self-employed people, regular employees and casual workers.
Counting gig workers separately could show how many people work this way.
It could also help the government plan benefits such as social security.
The Economic Survey said the number of gig workers grew from 77 lakh in FY21 to 120 lakh in FY25.
It also said gig work could make up 6.7% of the workforce outside farming by 2029-30.
The PLFS may begin recording gig and platform workers as a separate workforce category.
Officials believe the change would improve estimates of the sector and support policy design.
The PLFS, launched in 2017, provides annual, quarterly and monthly employment data for India.
The Economic Survey 2025-26 estimated gig workers rose from 77 lakh in FY21 to 120 lakh in FY25.
Non-agricultural gig work is projected to reach 6.7% of India’s workforce by 2029-30.
- Who
- India’s government and officials involved in the PLFS; gig and platform workers are the population being considered.
- What
- The PLFS may include gig and platform workers as a separate employment category.
- When
- The PLFS was launched in 2017; the articles do not specify when the proposed change will take effect.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To improve official data on gig work and help develop policies, including possible social-security benefits.
- Survey
- The PLFS is India’s primary source of employment and unemployment data.
- Launch year
- 2017
- Current measures
- Self-employed, regular wage employees and casual workers
- Estimated gig workforce in FY21
- 77 lakh workers
- Estimated gig workforce in FY25
- 120 lakh workers, a 55% increase from FY21
- Share of total workforce
- More than 2% in FY25, according to the Economic Survey 2025-26
- Projection for 2029-30
- Non-agricultural gig work could represent 6.7% of the workforce and contribute ₹2.35 lakh crore to GDP