Analysing the Informal Economy of Indore by Questioning Daily Wage Workers, Street Vendors etc

The informal economy constitutes a vital yet often overlooked segment of India’s urban labor market, sustaining livelihoods for millions of workers who remain excluded from formal employment structures. This study examines the informal economy of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, with a particular focus on daily wage workers, street vendors, rickshaw pullers, and domestic workers. Using a mixed-methods design, data were collected through structured surveys with 150 respondents and in-depth interviews with 25 participants conducted between March and May 2025. The analysis reveals persistent vulnerabilities, including unstable incomes, lack of job security, inadequate access to healthcare, and heavy reliance on informal credit. Gender disparities were pronounced, with women engaged primarily in domestic work reporting significantly lower earnings, longer working hours, and limited autonomy in financial decision-making. The findings also underscore the impact of urban development initiatives and municipal policies, which simultaneously generate opportunities and create risks of displacement. While government programs such as PM-SVANidhi have shown potential in improving access to credit and supporting small-scale entrepreneurship, awareness and reach remain limited among the city’s informal workforce. Overall, the study highlights the paradox of Indore’s growth trajectory: despite its image as a rapidly modernizing city, its progress is underpinned by a workforce that remains economically insecure and socially marginalized. The research contributes to policy debates by emphasizing the need for inclusive urban planning, stronger welfare mechanisms, and recognition of informal workers as integral to sustainable urban development..