New Delhi [India], February 28: The Indian Finance Minister's budget announced a comprehensive initiative to extend formal recognition and social security benefits to platform-based gig workers by providing their ID cards with registration on the e-Shram portal. This marks a significant step toward formalizing India's rapidly expanding gig economy. With over 7.7 million gig workers in India as of 2020--projected to grow to 23.5 million by 2029-30 (NITI Aayog, 2022)--this sector plays a pivotal role in the country's digital services ecosystem. From ride-hailing drivers to food delivery personnel and freelancers, gig workers have transformed urban economies, yet they remain largely excluded from formal financial systems and social security nets.