New Delhi: The 2025 festive season is expected to generate up to 2,00,000 jobs, with gig roles accounting for nearly 70% of the total, particularly in tier 2 cities, according to a report released Thursday.

The study by NLB Services said India’s festive economy has long been a key driver of consumer spending, but this year marks a structural shift in how seasonal demand is shaping employment.

Hiring is projected to rise 20–25% compared with last year, led by retail, e-commerce, logistics, and consumer services. Quick commerce and third-party logistics firms are driving the surge, fuelled by significant investment in supply chains and last-mile delivery.

Of the new jobs, 70% are expected to be gig roles, with the remaining 30% permanent, reflecting companies’ preference for blended workforce models. Around 26% of workers hired this season are likely to be retained beyond the festive window, pointing to a long-term shift rather than a short-term spike.

Tier 2 and tier 3 cities will see the fastest growth, with hiring projected to jump 30–40% in Bhubaneswar, Kochi, Indore, Surat, and Nagpur. These cities are emerging as micro-fulfilment hubs, accounting for 47% of gig hiring last festive season, a figure expected to touch 50% in FY26.

“While metros like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi continue to lead in demand by volume, the real growth momentum is clearly shifting to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where talent supply is strong, operational costs are lower, and attrition rates remain minimal,” said Sachin Alug, CEO of NLB Services.

IANS