Government to modify labour survey to capture gig economy, unpaid household workers
The Indian government is updating the Periodic Labour Force Survey to better track gig economy workers and unpaid household labor. These changes, effective January 2027, aim to provide a more accurate picture of modern employment trends.
Why it matters
Updating labor metrics is crucial for policymakers to address the unique challenges faced by gig workers and those in the informal caregiving sector.
Government to modify labour survey to capture gig economy, unpaid household workers left Representational image only. File Getty Images/iStockphoto Getty Images/iStockphoto https://th-i.thgim.com/public/newsletter/the-evening-wrap/cayp12/article71617547.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/iStock-1161275361.jpg Melpomenem Gig economy with businessman holding a tablet computer on a dark vintage background Periodic Labour Force Survey will include additional questions to measure labour underutilisation New Delhi The Union government has decided to change the design and structure of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) to track digital platform workers and capture engagement in unpaid household, caregiving, volunteer, and trainee work. The PLFS will also include additional questions to measure labour underutilisation. According to a press release and concept note issued in New Delhi on Friday (October 23, 2026), the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has proposed modifications to the PLFS sampling design starting January 2027. The survey schedule will also change.
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