New Delhi: The gig workforce catering to services emanating from mobile apps is expected to grow about threefold in India to 17-21 million by 2030 from around 6 million at present, Redseer Strategy Consultants said on Thursday.

Redseer Strategy Consultants' report, 'Gig Internet Workforce in India: Bridge to ~20 Million Livelihoods', has found that gig internet platforms across delivery, ride hailing, and home services have evolved beyond being a source of flexible work.

"India's monthly active gig internet workforce is expected to grow from over 6 million today to 17-21 million by 2030. 54 per cent of surveyed workers were not in paid employment before joining gig platforms," the report said.

According to the report, more than 30 per cent of projected gig workers by 2030 are expected to be first-time entrants to the workforce.

The report found that full-time gig workers earn up to 2.5 times higher monthly net income than comparable formal and informal occupations.

"Nearly 70 per cent of surveyed workers believe gig platform experience improves their future earning opportunities. Over 90 per cent of monthly active gig workers choose part-time participation, highlighting the sector's flexibility," the report said.

The report said that expanding women's participation represents one of the largest opportunities for the next phase of growth.

Redseer Strategy Consultants, Partner, Kushal Bhatnagar said that the significance of India's gig internet workforce lies in the choices it creates.

"It gives people a practical way to enter the workforce, augment household income, navigate periods of transition, or work towards longer-term ambitions without being constrained by traditional employment structures," he said.