The rapid expansion of the gig economy is reshaping Assam’s employment landscape by creating flexible livelihood opportunities, particularly for educated youth and migrant workers. However, the absence of comprehensive social protection poses challenges to its long-term sustainability.
Opportunities
- Generates employment with low entry barriers.
- Provides flexible work schedules, enabling workers to pursue education and skill development.
- Expands income opportunities beyond traditional salaried employment.
- Supports digital entrepreneurship and last-mile service delivery.
- Reduces unemployment in urban and semi-urban areas.
Challenges
- Lack of paid leave, job security and income stability under the “no work, no pay” model.
- Algorithm-based work allocation leading to uncertain earnings.
- Limited awareness and registration on the e-Shram Portal, restricting access to social security benefits.
- Inadequate health insurance, pension and accident coverage.
- High workforce attrition due to better opportunities elsewhere.
Measures
- Increase awareness and registration of gig workers on the e-Shram Portal.
- Effectively implement the Code on Social Security, 2020 and the Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026.
- Strengthen health insurance, accident cover and pension benefits.
- Promote digital literacy and skill upgradation for gig workers.
- Encourage collaboration among government, platform companies and worker associations to ensure fair working conditions.
Conclusion
A balanced framework combining labour flexibility with adequate social security is essential to ensure that the gig economy becomes a sustainable driver of employment, digital inclusion and economic growth in Assam.
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