Migration in the Digital Age: Rural-Urban Shifts in India’s Gig Economy

Abstract

The digital gig economy like ride-hailing services & food delivery apps is changing how people work and move in India. The rapid expansion of the digital gig economy is transforming labour markets, influencing migration patterns in unprecedented ways. The data shows that 33.5% of male migrants have migrated to urban areas, aligning with the growth of app-based service industries. In contrast 56.9% of female migrants have migrated from rural-to-rural areas in often linked to matrimonial and domestic reasons. This paper assesses the role of gig platforms in India through the drivers from rural-to-urban migration, using secondary data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2020–21 and official statistics. Implications for policy include the need for skill development, social security, and inclusive urban planning.