New Delhi, 26 July: E-commerce and retail platforms are significantly contributing to the economic prosperity of gig workers across Delhi-NCR, according to a new whitepaper released today by Empower India, a leading policy think tank. Titled “Retail Driving Prosperity in Delhi-NCR, “the findings suggest that 70% of gig workers in the region have experienced increased disposable income through part-time, seasonal, and gig employment opportunities. Based on a Local Circles survey and direct interviews with workers, the report identifies Amazon, Delhivery, Reliance Retail, and Meesho as key contributors to this positive change.
The study, based on responses from over 90,000 residents across 15 districts of Delhi-NCR, documents how these companies’ infrastructure investments, training programs, and inclusive policies are creating meaningful opportunities, contradicting claims about inadequate wages and working conditions. Gig workers themselves report that these companies have become a boon to their financial advancement and economic stability.
Speaking at the whitepaper launch, K Giri, Director General, Empower India said, “The retail sector in Delhi-NCR is not just creating jobs, it is building pathways to long-term economic prosperity. Whether it is Amazon, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, or Delhi very, with its strategic infrastructure investments, these companies are fostering an inclusive economic ecosystem that benefits millions of workers. The report underscores the immense potential of how corporate innovation, when aligned with forward- looking policy, can unlock real opportunities for communities and drive sustainable, inclusive growth.”
Key findings:
• Economic Prosperity:
Amazon leads in improving gig worker prosperity, with 43% of respondents recognizing its impact (Figure 1). The company has enabled digital transformation for over 12 million MSMEs and created more than 110,000 seasonal jobs in 2024 alone.
• Digital Enablement of SMBs:
Nearly half (47%) of the respondents credit major retailers like Reliance Retail and DMart with helping small businesses embrace technology and compete effectively in the digital marketplace (Figure 2). E-commerce companies are increasingly being seen as credible partners.
• Preferred Youth Employers:
E-commerce companies have become the preferred choice of employers for Delhi-NCR youth, as cited by 37% of respondents (Figure 3). As quick commerce creates aggressive targets, the youth are gravitating toward more stable positions with retail and e-commerce players. Structured training programs, clear career advancement opportunities, and workplace dignity initiatives are what today’s youth workforce values most.
• Gig Work as a Career Path:
Gig and part-time work has evolved beyond stop-gap employment into viable long-term career paths. Leading platforms have integrated safety measures, financial support systems, and upskilling opportunities, resulting in 70% of gig worker households reporting increased disposable income.
From festive seasonal hiring and MSME digitization to worker safety programs and skills development, e- commerce companies have established a blueprint for sustainable job creation and economic inclusion. Industry leaders like Amazon, Flipkart, and Delhi very are accelerating this positive transformation through strategic youth upskilling initiatives, extensive last-mile delivery networks, and the formalization of traditionally informal retail employment.
The whitepaper outlines a clear, actionable road map for all stakeholders to sustain and amplify the retail and gig economy’s positive impact across Delhi-NCR. For policymakers, the findings highlight an urgent need to establish a comprehensive social security framework specifically tailored to gig workers–ensuring access to healthcare, insurance, and financial safety nets that acknowledge the unique nature of flexible employment. Additionally, the report calls for meaningful collaboration among corporate leaders, government officials, and community representatives to expand rural retail technology enablement and create equitable access to economic opportunities across both urban centers and semi-urban areas.
About Empower India:
Empower India is a leading policy think tank dedicated to generating insights and solutions to drive inclusive economic development. Through rigorous research and analysis, Empower India offers actionable recommendations to foster sustainable growth and equitable progress in urban and rural communities.
