As India’s festive season approaches, the demand for gig workers in sectors like e-commerce, food delivery, and ride-hailing is surging. While this period presents significant earning opportunities, experts highlight digital literacy as a critical factor for gig workers aiming to maximise their potential in the digital economy.
A recent report from the Nasscom Foundation reveals that 90% of gig workers lack essential digital skills, restricting their ability to engage effectively with online platforms and utilise the full range of opportunities available in the gig economy.
Multiple initiatives are underway to address this gap. Government programs like Digital India and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana aim to increase digital literacy nationwide. At the same time, tech giants such as Google and Microsoft have introduced specialized training modules for digital skills. Non-profits, including the Nasscom Foundation, also play a significant role, offering gig workers the foundational skills to navigate digital platforms effectively. These initiatives emphasise essential digital competencies, from understanding mobile apps and online platforms to more complex areas like data security, financial transactions, and customer engagement.
Amitabh Kant, CEO of NITI Aayog, underscores the importance of these efforts: “Digital literacy is crucial for gig workers to tap into festive season opportunities.” This sentiment is echoed by Nasscom President Debjani Ghosh, who noted, “Digital skills will enable gig workers to access better-paying jobs and improve their livelihoods.” With India’s gig economy expected to grow to $455 billion by 2025, equipping workers with digital proficiency is paramount for economic growth and individual empowerment.
As the festive season brings increased customer demand, digital literacy can make a difference for gig workers by enabling them to access online platforms seamlessly, manage digital payments, and engage effectively with customers. Improved digital skills boost their productivity and open doors to higher-paying jobs and more consistent income streams. For instance, digitally literate gig workers can diversify their roles, moving from basic delivery tasks to roles in customer service, data entry, or virtual assistance, all of which require familiarity with digital tools.
For India’s gig workforce, these digital skills represent an economic advantage and a pathway to greater job security and professional growth. As government bodies, the private sector, and nonprofits collaborate to enhance digital literacy, gig workers are encouraged to engage with these programs. By doing so, they can better position themselves in a fast-evolving digital landscape, ready to capitalise on the immediate opportunities of the festive season and the broader prospects in the gig economy.