BRIDGING THE FORMAL–INFORMAL DIVIDE: AN ANALYSIS OF SEMI-FORMAL EMPLOYMENT

DOI: https://doie.org/10.65985/APER.2025392200

Authors:

Dr. Barnali Hazarika, K. Mohima Singha

Keywords:

Gig economy, Cost, Benefit, Informal Sector,

Abstract:

The gig economy has emerged as one of the most significant transformations in the contemporary labour market, reshaping how individuals engage in work and earn their livelihoods. While gig work offers flexibility and income opportunities, it also raises critical concerns regarding economic viability, livelihood sustainability, and social security. This study focuses on gig workers in Hojai district of Assam to evaluate whether gig work provides a sustainable livelihood or merely a temporary coping mechanism in the absence of stable employment. The first objective of the study is to evaluate the economic viability of gig work by conducting a cost–benefit analysis across different categories of gig workers. This analysis examines income levels, flexibility, time costs, and hidden financial trade-offs that influence overall returns from gig employment. The second objective explores the key challenges and constraints faced by gig workers in sustaining their livelihoods, including irregular demand, algorithmic control, rising competition, lack of skill upgradation, and the absence of institutional social protection. The third objective aims to propose policy recommendations that address these vulnerabilities by suggesting measures for income stabilization, access to welfare schemes, and integration of gig workers into broader labour protection framework. Interviews were taken to capture both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of gig work. The findings are expected to contribute to the broader discourse on platform-based labour markets in India and generate insights into how semi-urban districts like Hojai can design inclusive policies that enhance the working condition of gig workers.

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