Blue-collar jobs to drive India’s labor market

Gig economy is not only limited to niche sectors anymore. A report by BetterPlace shows that about 21 lakh blue-collared jobs will be created in India within the next 12 months because of the emergence of gigs and freelance assignments. 

About 14 lakh jobs out of the total projected job growth is expected to be in the gig economy. The logistics sector is likely to see an addition of about 4 lakh jobs while the demand for drivers in the transportation sector continues to rise with an expectation of 6 lakh jobs in the next year. 

Gig-based jobs have become more attractive than traditional blue-collar job roles such as security or IFM with higher flexibility in work hours and locations in addition to better incentives, according to the report.

About 40 percent of the blue-collar job creation will take place in the southern states of India including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Telangana. 

As far the state-wise list is concerned, Maharashtra is expected to create more than 4 lakh jobs followed by Karnataka with an expectation of over 3 lakh jobs in this sector. 

Bangalore was cited as the largest job creator amidst other Tier 1 cities at 2,35, 000 jobs closely followed by Delhi at a projection of 2,25,000 jobs. 

Hyderabad and Chennai were identified as emerging markets for blue-collar job growth while Kolkata lagged behind with a score of about 24000 jobs per year inspite of being on a growth track.