Not just delivery boys : The rise of gig economy in Manipur

Nongthombam Sylvestine
Every day, we order food, book cabs, hire tutors, or follow local creators online. Most of us don't realize we're witnessing the rise of a new economic system—the Gig Economy. Although the term may seem unfamiliar, its influence is already part of our daily routines. Many young people earn independently through flexible, short-term jobs, often without realizing they are integrated into this larger economic system transformation. Many youths today are striving to earn their own income, no longer relying entirely on their parents, even for academic expenses. This is a commendable development that demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility among the new generation in Manipur. It is encouraging to observe young people taking initiative and becoming independent.
A few years ago, delivery and cab services in our State were seen simply as jobs for delivery boys or drivers, often undervalued. Now, perceptions are gradually shifting. They’re no longer just delivery workers or drivers—they’re adapting to a new economic system as real-life challengers.
This broader identity is evident in Manipur, where delivery platforms demonstrate this change. Services like Zomato and local efforts such as Food WIFI offer flexible earning opportunities for many young people in Imphal. Delivery partners coordinate orders via digital apps, engage with customers, and earn based on completed tasks. Similarly, app-based or flexible cab services enable many youths to work on their own schedules. While Uber and other National platforms dominate larger cities, the concept of flexible ride services is slowly influencing work culture in Manipur.
The gig economy in the State extends beyond just delivery and cab services. Make-up artists, home tutors, graphic designers, YouTubers, singers, dancers, and many other talented youths engage in flexible work arrangements, often recognized as freelancers. Some work for just 1 to 2 hours daily, while others dedicate 2 to 4 hours based on their availability. For many, it is a part-time pursuit; for others, it is increasingly becoming their main source of income. All these activities are categorized under the gig economy because they involve short-term tasks, skill-based services, and independent earnings. The gig economy describes a labor market in which people earn income through short-term contracts, freelance work, or platform-based services rather than traditional permanent jobs. It highlights flexibility, independence, and digital connectivity. In a place like Manipur, where formal jobs are limited, this model is gradually becoming a new way for people to participate in the economy.
Reports from the e-Shram portal under the Ministry of Labour and Employment indicate that over 729,447 gig and unorganized workers registered across India in 2021. By 2023, approximately 406,820 workers from Manipur had signed up on the portal. Recently, the Government of India launched the E-Shram Gig Workers Registration 2025 initiative to enhance support for gig workers Nationwide. Registering on this platform allows gig workers to access multiple welfare benefits, such as health insurance through the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). The Government encourages all gig workers to sign up on the e-Shram portal to benefit from these programs.
Registered individuals are entitled to life insurance coverage up to Rs 5 lakh and can receive secondary and tertiary medical treatment at 31 Government and private hospitals across the country. Furthermore, official registration enables the Government to formally recognize gig workers, which can improve their social security and boost their social and economic standing.
Although several progressive policies have been introduced for gig and unorganized workers, their full benefits may not be immediately apparent. Nonetheless, these policies establish a crucial foundation for the future. As unemployment rises, more young people are gradually turning to the gig economy as an alternative income source. In the future, as gig participation grows, these Government efforts are expected to become increasingly relevant and effective. With proper implementation and increased awareness, such schemes could offer lasting social security and stability to thousands of youth relying on gig work..
The writer is a research scholar at the Department of Commerce, MU