India’s Platform Economy is an ‘Engine of Growth and Inclusion’
FinTech BizNews Service
Mumbai, 30 June 2026: As Maharashtra prepares to implement social security protections for gig and platform workers under the Code on Social Security, stakeholders emphasized the need for a balanced and future-ready regulatory framework. Industry leaders and labour officials called for policies that strengthen worker welfare while preserving the flexibility, innovation and entrepreneurial opportunities that have made India's platform economy a powerful engine of growth and inclusion.
The Stakeholders' Discussion on ‘Opportunities and Challenges for Platform Economy in India’ was organized yesterday by FICCI jointly with All-India Organization of Employers (AIOE).
The consultation brought together representatives from government, labour administration, industry bodies, and leading platform companies to deliberate on key issues, including the implementation of social security, grievance redressal mechanisms, regulatory clarity, compliance readiness, and evolving global standards governing platform work.
Ms Sunita Mhaiskar, Deputy Commissioner of Labour, Mumbai City, described the formal recognition of gig and platform workers under the Social Security Code as a landmark milestone in India's labour reform journey. Nearly 93% of India's workforce belongs to the unorganized sector and forms the backbone of our economy. Extending social security to such a vast workforce has always been a complex challenge. “The recognition of gig and platform workers under the Social Security Code lays an important foundation, and its success will depend on all stakeholders working together to build an effective and inclusive framework," she said.
Ms Mhaiskar noted that meaningful implementation would require active collaboration among government, employers, and workers to ensure that social security benefits reach their intended beneficiaries efficiently and inclusively.
Ms Shirin Lokhande, Joint Commissioner of Labour, Maharashtra, highlighted the broader objective of labour reforms, stating, “The labour codes are a significant step towards building a modern, simplified, and future-ready labour ecosystem. By extending social security protections while promoting ease of doing business, the reforms seek to balance workforce welfare with operational flexibility. Continued stakeholder engagement will be critical to achieving these objectives.” Reiterating the government's commitment to consultation, she added, “Draft state rules have already been shared for stakeholder feedback, and we continue to welcome constructive suggestions that can help strengthen implementation. We are confident these reforms will deliver positive outcomes for both enterprises and workers."
Mr Satish Anand, EC Member, AIOE and Member, Board of the ESIC Corporation, highlighted the transformative role of the platform economy in expanding economic opportunities across the country. India's platform economy has emerged as a powerful engine of growth and inclusion. “Digital platforms have created livelihoods at scale, expanded financial inclusion, and enabled flexible work opportunities for millions, including women and youth. Its contribution to India's growth story and the vision of Viksit Bharat is both significant and growing,” he said.
Highlighting the need for a collaborative approach, Mr Anand added that as the platform economy evolves, policy must evolve with it. The goal should be to create an ecosystem where worker welfare, innovation, and business agility reinforce one another.
The discussion concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to continue engaging on policy and implementation issues to ensure that India's platform economy remains a driver of innovation, employment generation, entrepreneurship, and inclusive growth while delivering meaningful protections and opportunities for platform workers.
