POTENTIAL OF GIG TECHNOLOGY IN THE INDIAN EDUCATION SECTOR

Gig Economy is identified as a pattern of work engagement where there is a consumer or service speaker, on one hand, reflecting demand for a particular task while on the other end is a gig worker who can work for a specific period and provide the required work. The development of the tech-enabled platforms contributes to connecting the consumer to the gig worker wherein the former can hire services from the latter based on a fixed period. The gig workers include people of different categories like self-employed, freelancers, part-time workers and also independent contributors. India's gig economy has fundamentally changed the perception of education today. The idea of continuing education is not just to get a degree or certificate that will only add weight to your resume, but to acquire the various industry skills you need to get a job. The growth of social commerce in the country is positively impacting employment opportunities for millions of gig workers. According to a 2019 World Bank report, digital platforms are scaling faster and cheaper than traditional businesses. The penetration of online retail in the report's year was 4.7%. It is expected to reach 10.7% by 2024. India has emerged as one of the largest flexible staffing countries in the world. Simply put, gig jobs have simplified the country's employment landscape and changed its structure for the better. However, in the gig economy, freelancers have to be self-sufficient in their learning. They have to decide what knowledge they lack, where to get it, how to fit their day, and how to pay for it. Free options (as in MOOCs and other online opportunities) are growing in popularity. The flexibility, availability, and constraints of scheduled courses appeal to motivated learners. Gig workers earn money based on their performance on specific tasks rather than focusing on earning a set salary.