A Study on the Scope and Impact of Gig and Platform Economy in Ahmedabad

Abstract

The gig and platform economy is expanding rapidly across India and globally, creating new livelihood opportunities in ridesharing, delivery, logistics, and professional services. Ahmedabad—historically known as the “Manchester of India”—is emerging as a major urban growth centre where gig and platform work is increasingly accessible. This study examines the status, scope, and impact of the gig and platform economy in Ahmedabad by analysing primary data collected from 100 gig and platform workers. The questionnaire captured responses across three dimensions: Money Matters, Social Indicators, and Nature of Job. Hypotheses were formulated for each construct and analysed using PLS-SEM in SmartPLS.The measurement model demonstrated acceptable levels of reliability and validity after refinement. The results reveal that Money Matters exert a significant negative influence on job satisfaction, indicating that income instability, variable payouts, and financial uncertainty reduce overall satisfaction levels. In contrast, Social Indicators, such as gender equality, respectful treatment, and inclusive work environments have a significant positive effect on job satisfaction. The Nature of Job, represented primarily by work flexibility, does not show a statistically significant impact. The model explains 16.2% of the variance in job satisfaction, consistent with exploratory research in emerging gig economy contexts. The findings suggest that while flexibility attracts workers to gig platforms, long-term job satisfaction depends more on financial stability and positive social conditions.These insights highlight the evolving character of gig work in the city. Overall, the study provides an exploratory understanding of how gig and platform work is perceived in Ahmedabad and identifies areas where worker experience can be strengthened through policy and platform-level interventions.