Delivery Partner: Debate Around Gig Economy and Welfare Gains Fresh Attention

Delivery Partner: The recent discussion surrounding gig workers and delivery platforms has once again brought the spotlight on how the gig economy functions in India, particularly in the food delivery and quick commerce space. A renewed call for a strike by delivery partners triggered a strong response from industry leaders, reigniting conversations about fair compensation, flexibility, and long-term sustainability of gig-based work models. At the center of this debate are differing viewpoints on whether gig platforms genuinely empower workers or exploit them under the guise of flexibility.

Industry Leaders Respond to Strike Calls

Sanjeev Bikhchandani, the founder of Naukri.com and a Non-Executive Director at Eternal, publicly addressed the recent strike campaign targeting delivery platforms. He expressed clear support for Zomato’s leadership, especially its founder Deepinder Goyal, while questioning the intent and approach of those who promoted the strike. According to Bikhchandani, concerns related to delivery partner welfare and compensation are not ignored but are, in fact, a regular part of board-level discussions.

He pointed out that instead of engaging directly with the company through dialogue, the individuals behind the strike chose a social media-driven campaign. In his view, this approach appeared more aligned with political messaging rather than constructive problem-solving. His remarks highlighted a growing frustration among business leaders over what they perceive as misinformation and selective narratives around gig work.

Transparency in the Gig Work Financial Model

In response to the criticism, Deepinder Goyal shared detailed insights into the financial structure of the gig model at Zomato. He revealed that average hourly earnings for delivery partners increased by around 10.9 percent year-on-year in 2025. This brought the average hourly income to approximately Rs 102, compared to Rs 92 in the previous year, excluding tips.

He further explained that if a delivery partner works for about 10 hours a day over 26 days in a month, gross monthly earnings would be close to Rs 26,500. After accounting for expenses such as fuel and vehicle maintenance, estimated at around 20 percent, net monthly income would be roughly Rs 21,000. Importantly, these figures include all logged-in hours, even when partners are waiting for orders.

Work Patterns and Flexibility Explained

One of the core arguments in favor of the gig economy is flexibility, and Goyal emphasized this aspect with data. On average, a Zomato delivery partner worked only 38 days in the entire year of 2025, with an average of seven hours per working day. Only a small fraction, about 2.3 percent, worked more than 250 days in the year.

Goyal argued that demanding benefits typically associated with full-time employment, such as provident fund contributions or guaranteed salaries, does not align with the gig model. He described gig work as a flexible, short-term earning option rather than a permanent employment arrangement. According to him, the freedom to log in and log out at will is the defining feature of this system.

Addressing Safety and Delivery Speed Concerns

Safety concerns, particularly around quick commerce and 10-minute delivery promises, have been a major point of criticism. Goyal clarified that delivery partners are not shown countdown timers or customer-facing delivery deadlines that could pressure them into unsafe driving. The faster delivery times, he explained, are primarily due to shorter distances between stores and customers.

Data shared by him showed that in 2025, the average distance per Blinkit order was just over 2 kilometers, with average driving speeds remaining within reasonable limits. This, according to Goyal, demonstrates that speed targets are achieved through logistics planning rather than risk-taking on the road.

Welfare Measures and Social Security Support

Beyond earnings, Goyal highlighted several welfare initiatives undertaken by Zomato and Blinkit. In 2025 alone, the companies reportedly spent more than Rs 100 crore on insurance premiums for delivery partners. These benefits included accident insurance, medical coverage, and loss of pay protection.

Additional measures such as rest days for women partners, assistance with income tax filing, and enrollment in pension schemes were also mentioned. These initiatives, he argued, reflect a commitment to supporting gig workers without compromising the flexible nature of the platform.

Political Reactions and Public Discourse

The debate took a political turn after Bikhchandani made sharp remarks indirectly targeting AAP MP Raghav Chadha, who has been vocal in criticizing gig platforms. Chadha has called for a ban on 10-minute delivery apps, alleging exploitation of workers and excessive pressure. Bikhchandani dismissed these claims as hypocritical and disconnected from ground realities.

Earlier statements by Goyal defending the gig economy framed it as a system that gives visibility and agency to workers who were historically unseen. By enabling direct interaction between workers and consumers, he argued, the gig economy has made income inequality more visible, which naturally fuels discomfort and debate.

The Larger Question of Fairness

At the heart of this discussion lies a fundamental question: is the gig economy fair? Supporters argue that for an unskilled, part-time, and low-barrier job, the flexibility and earning potential offered are reasonable. Critics, however, believe that platforms should do more to ensure long-term security. As the gig economy continues to expand, this debate is unlikely to fade anytime soon.