India Experiences 3% Monthly Increase in Hiring, White-Collar Gig Jobs Skyrocket by 184%

New Delhi, April 2 (IANS) – India has witnessed a 3 per cent monthly rise in hiring in February and March, with white-collar gig jobs surging by 184 per cent year-on-year. According to a report by foundit, gig workers have expanded by 21 per cent during this period, showcasing companies’ increasing reliance on freelancers and independent contractors.

The IT sector has taken the lead in the gig economy, with IT software’s share nearly doubling from 22 per cent in March 2023 to a dominant 46 per cent in March this year. CEO of foundit, Sekhar Garisa, highlights the metro cities of Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai as pioneers in gig job opportunities, emphasizing the importance for job seekers to acquire relevant skills to stay competitive in the market.

Advertising and marketing sectors have also seen significant growth, with gig jobs increasing from 5 per cent to 18 per cent over the past year. However, the IT sector witnessed a slight decline in growth from 7 per cent in February to 2 per cent in March, while the banking/financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector reported stagnant growth.

Other sectors like engineering, cement, construction, and iron/steel have maintained a steady growth rate in March, as per the report. Additionally, there has been a slight uptick in hiring activity in the government, public sector undertakings (PSUs), and defence sectors.

Overall, the gig economy in India is on the rise, with various sectors experiencing a shift towards freelance and contract-based work arrangements. With the job market evolving, job seekers are encouraged to enhance their skills to remain competitive in this growing gig economy landscape.