India’s gig economy is at a critical inflection point, with limited income mobility and weak social protection threatening long-term workforce outcomes, according to a new report released by Primus Partners.
Titled Unlocking the Future: Finding a Path for 23.5 Million Indian Youth to Transition Beyond the Gig Economy, the report examines income patterns, skill progression and access to social security among gig workers, and outlines measures to strengthen long-term career mobility and productivity.
The study finds that while digital platforms have enabled large-scale employment absorption, income growth remains modest for a large section of workers. More than 60 percent of surveyed gig workers reported working full-time hours, with average monthly earnings of around ₹22,500. Income increases, the report notes, are primarily driven by longer working hours rather than structured skill advancement.
According to the report, early entry into gig work—often immediately after school—can shape long-term career trajectories. In the absence of formal skilling and progression pathways, many workers remain in similar roles into their mid-20s, even as financial responsibilities rise. Addressing this gap is essential for ensuring that the gig economy contributes to productivity growth and income security, the study argues.
The report also highlights significant gaps in social protection. About 31 percent of gig workers surveyed lack access to insurance, pension or savings-linked benefits. Workers with access to training and basic protections reported greater financial stability and higher earning potential, reinforcing the case for targeted policy and industry interventions.
“The gig economy has created scale and flexibility in India’s labour market. The next phase must focus on enabling skill development, income progression and mobility so that gig work becomes a stepping stone to more sustainable livelihoods,” said Nilaya Varma, co-founder and chief executive officer of Primus Partners.
The report points to opportunities to strengthen the gig ecosystem through structured skilling pathways, portable benefits and transition mechanisms into higher-value roles. Aligning digital platforms, policymakers and industry stakeholders around these priorities, it notes, could significantly improve workforce outcomes over the next decade.
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