Evaluating the impact of the digital economy on informal and Unorganised Sectors' Well-being in Delhi

Mallick, Gayatri and Singla, Sonia (2025) Evaluating the impact of the digital economy on informal and Unorganised Sectors' Well-being in Delhi. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 27 (1). pp. 2242-2248. ISSN 2581-9615

India's informal and unorganised sector employs over 90% of the workforce and accounts for roughly half of GDP, although it is mainly excluded from formal economic frameworks. With the Digital India program, Aadhaar integration, UPI, and mobile internet, India's digital economy has experienced significant acceleration, opening up new opportunities for greater inclusion. Street vendors now have more opportunities to generate revenue, reach customers, and promote financial inclusion, thanks to the growth of digital platforms, mobile banking, and fintech solutions. This study examines the multifaceted effects of the digital economy on the revenue trends of street sellers in Delhi NCR. This review article examines recent literature, policy frameworks, and empirical findings on the impact of digital technologies on income generation, financial access, and business models in the informal sector. The research uses Amartya Sen's Capability Approach to analyse the effects, drawing on multidisciplinary sources and national-level data. Key findings include growing usage of digital payments, more engagement in e-commerce, enhanced credit availability through government initiatives, and the rise of gig work platforms. However, constraints such as digital literacy, platform dependence, and infrastructure inequities persist. Five figures and tables present a visual picture of adoption trends, income changes, demographic usage patterns, and obstacles. The study finishes with specific proposals for improving inclusive digital infrastructure, governance, and worker safeguards in India's emerging informal sector.