Section Article

Informal Economy and the Future of Work in India
Author(s): Kunal Rawat

Abstract
The informal economy occupies a central position in Indias labor market employing more than 90 percent of the total workforce and contributing significantly to the countrys economic output. Despite its scale and significance the informal sector remains largely outside the purview of legal protections social security and formal economic planning. As India undergoes structural transformations driven by technology globalization and policy reform the future of work is being reshaped in ways that both challenge and reconfigure the informal economy. This paper explores the dynamics of the informal sector in India examines the socio-economic vulnerabilities of informal workers and analyzes emerging trends that will likely define the future of work. It interrogates the implications of digitalization labor code reforms platform economies and automation while also emphasizing the need for inclusive policy frameworks. The study aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the complex intersection between informality and modern labor trends in India.