Managing a workforce today demands more than spreadsheets and manual effort. Whether it’s payroll, compliance, onboarding, or performance reviews—HR software is now indispensable for businesses in India.
Among the many options available, TankhaPay has emerged as a standout platform specifically designed for gig and informal workers in India. In this guide, we dive deep into TankhaPay and other top HR software solutions like Keka, Zoho People, Darwinbox, and more to help you choose the best fit for your organization in 2025.
🏆 1. TankhaPay – India’s First HRMS for Gig & Informal Workers
Best for: Companies managing gig workers, contractual staff, and the unorganized workforce
About TankhaPay:
Developed by the TeamLease Group, TankhaPay is India’s first HRMS built for the informal sector, helping companies extend social security benefits to workers while handling onboarding, compliance, and wage payments seamlessly.
Key Features:
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Aadhaar-based digital onboarding
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ESI, PF, and labor law compliance
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Automated payroll and wage disbursement
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Worker app for payslips and KYC updates
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Multilingual support (Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, etc.)
Unique Advantage:
TankhaPay doesn’t just manage HR—it enables social security coverage for unorganized workers, bridging the gap between labor compliance and digital inclusion.
Pricing: Custom, based on workforce size and features
Pros:
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First-of-its-kind tool for India’s gig/informal workforce
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Automates statutory compliance for contractors
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User-friendly mobile app for workers
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TeamLease-backed compliance expertise
Cons:
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Currently focused more on compliance and wage management (not broader HR modules like performance or LMS)
2. Keka HR
Best for: SMEs and fast-growing companies
Key Features: Payroll automation, attendance, performance reviews, project tracking
Pricing: Starts from ₹6,999/month
Pros: Clean UI, good support
Cons: Takes time to configure
3. Zoho People
Best for: Startups and small businesses
Key Features: Leave, attendance, workflows, mobile access
Pricing: Free for 5 users; paid from ₹50/user/month
Pros: Affordable, integrates with Zoho suite
Cons: No built-in payroll in the base version
4. Darwinbox
Best for: Mid-to-large enterprises
Key Features: End-to-end HRMS, recruitment, AI features
Pricing: Custom quote
Pros: Scalable, modern UI
Cons: Better suited to larger organizations
5. greytHR
Best for: Payroll-heavy companies
Key Features: Payroll, compliance (PF, ESI), leave management
Pricing: Starts at ₹1,495/month
Pros: Reliable payroll, easy setup
Cons: Basic UI
6. BambooHR
Best for: Global teams with Indian presence
Key Features: People management, onboarding, reports
Pricing: USD-based, custom
Pros: Great UI, useful for hybrid teams
Cons: No Indian payroll features
7. sumHR
Best for: Indian startups
Key Features: Payroll, reimbursements, compliance
Pricing: ₹49/user/month
Pros: Cost-effective, fast setup
Cons: Lacks deep integration features
8. ZingHR
Best for: Enterprise-level digital HR transformation
Key Features: AI-based HR, talent management, LMS
Pricing: Custom
Pros: Strong L&D tools, supports remote and regional teams
Cons: Slightly complex interface
How to Choose the Right HR Software in India
Use this checklist:
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Workforce Type | Gig, full-time, part-time, remote? |
| Compliance Needs | PF, ESI, labor laws? |
| Budget | Fixed or per-user monthly cost? |
| Integrations | Accounting, biometric, ERPs |
| Usability | Language options, mobile access |
| Scalability | Can it grow with your team? |
If you manage gig or contractual workers, TankhaPay is a specialized choice. For traditional HRMS, Keka and Zoho People are great for SMEs, while Darwinbox fits large enterprises.
Why Indian HR Software Is Better for Indian Businesses
| Aspect | Indian HR Software | Global HR Tools |
|---|---|---|
| PF/ESI Compliance | ✅ Built-in | ❌ Manual add-ons |
| Support Languages | Hindi, Tamil, etc. | English only |
| Local Support | ✅ Available | ❌ Time zone issues |
| Pricing | ₹ Affordable | 💲 Expensive |
Future of HR Tech in India
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AI-driven hiring & analytics
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Compliance automation
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Social security for all workers
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Chatbots for real-time support
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Voice & regional language adoption
Conclusion
Whether you’re managing a distributed team, growing a startup, or trying to streamline gig worker payments—there’s an HR software for every need in India. Platforms like TankhaPay are reshaping how businesses manage informal workers, while Keka, Zoho People, and Darwinbox offer powerful features for traditional workforce management.
Choose the one that aligns with your team size, compliance needs, and budget.
FAQs
❓ Is TankhaPay only for gig workers?
No, it works best for gig, contractual, and informal workforce management but can also be integrated into traditional setups needing ESI/PF compliance automation.
❓ Which is the most affordable HR software for small businesses?
Zoho People and sumHR offer very budget-friendly options.
❓ Can these tools handle multiple locations or branches?
Yes. Tools like Darwinbox, ZingHR, and TankhaPay support multi-location teams.
