Vahan.ai on the Frontlines of India’s Gig Economy Revolution: A Boost from Union Budget 2025
Vahan uses AI-powered technology to connect job seekers with employers directly through WhatsApp, streamlining the recruitment process with automated matching and communication.
The Union Budget 2025 has marked a monumental moment for India’s growing gig economy. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced new benefits for gig workers, including government-backed ID cards and access to healthcare under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana, targeting 1 crore workers. These steps aim to formalize the sector and provide much-needed stability for millions of gig workers across the country.
For Vahan.ai, an AI-powered recruitment platform and a portfolio company of Everywhere Ventures, this announcement aligns perfectly with its mission of empowering gig workers by connecting them with job opportunities at top companies. With this new wave of government support, Vahan.ai is poised to play a pivotal role in transforming the gig workforce.
Formalizing and Protecting the Gig Workforce
Madhav Krishna, CEO and Founder of Vahan.ai, praised the budget’s focus on gig worker welfare: “The government earmarking funds for healthcare benefits under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana to about 1 crore gig workers is commendable. While the Code of Social Security was introduced in 2020, it is great to see financial allocation being made toward it. Government-backed ID cards for gig workers would help formalize the profession in a meaningful way.”
These new e-Shram ID cards will provide gig workers with a formal identity, making it easier for them to access benefits and participate in India’s rapidly growing digital economy. With Vahan.ai’s deep integration in the gig space, these measures will enhance the opportunities and security available to workers on the platform.
Supporting Vahan.ai’s Growing Impact
Since its inception, Vahan.ai has helped over 500,000 gig workers secure jobs with companies like Zomato, Blinkit, Swiggy, Rapido, and Amazon. The government’s recognition of gig workers as a vital part of India’s new-age services economy validates the work that Vahan.ai has been doing for years.
By offering AI-driven recruitment solutions, Vahan.ai reduces the friction between workers and employers, helping match talent with opportunity at scale. With the budget announcement, the company is now better positioned to help gig workers access formalized benefits while continuing to grow the gig economy.
The Forum for Progressive Gig Workers projects that the gig economy will grow at a CAGR of 17%, reaching a market size of $455 billion by 2024. This expansion will create 90 million jobs, many of which will flow through recruitment platforms like Vahan.ai.
Healthcare Benefits: A Game-Changer for Gig Workers
One of the most impactful parts of the budget is the extension of healthcare benefits under the PM Jan Arogya Yojana. This move reduces the financial burden on gig workers, who previously had limited access to affordable healthcare.
“The government taking up the responsibility for healthcare will encourage gig workers and reduce the financial burden on platforms like e-commerce and quick commerce,” Krishna added. With a formal healthcare structure in place, gig workers will experience greater stability, boosting confidence in the sector and attracting new talent.
Looking Ahead: A New Era for India’s Gig Economy
The Union Budget 2025 signals a clear intent to support and formalize the gig economy, creating a more secure environment for workers. For companies like Vahan.ai, this is both an opportunity and a responsibility. As gig workers gain access to new benefits, Vahan.ai will continue to connect them with meaningful work while ensuring that they can take full advantage of government-backed initiatives.
As India’s gig economy evolves, Vahan.ai stands at the forefront, ready to help millions of workers thrive in a dynamic, fast-growing sector. With government support and the power of AI, the future of gig work in India looks more promising than ever.
Read more on The New Indian Express
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