Victory for Gig Workers: Raghav Chadha Thanks Centre as ‘10-Minute Delivery’ Branding Removed

New Delhi, January 13:
In a significant win for gig economy workers, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Tuesday expressed gratitude to the central government after it decided to remove the controversial ‘10-minute delivery’ branding from quick-commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, and Zomato. The move comes amid growing concerns over the pressure and safety risks faced by delivery riders.

A Much-Needed Step for Worker Safety

Chadha, who has been actively raising the voices of gig workers, said the government’s decision was timely and necessary. “Satyamev Jayate! Together, we have achieved a victory. I am deeply grateful to the Centre for its decisive and compassionate intervention to remove the ‘10-minute delivery’ branding,” he wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

The MP emphasized that the 10-minute delivery promise had created constant and dangerous pressure on riders. “When riders’ T-shirts, jackets, or bags display ‘10 minutes’ and the customer’s app runs a timer, the stress is real, continuous, and hazardous,” he noted.

Risks Faced by Delivery Partners

Chadha shared that in recent months, he had spoken to hundreds of delivery partners, many of whom were overworked, underpaid, and risking their lives to meet unrealistic delivery commitments. “I thank every citizen who stood with us. Together, we have firmly supported human life, safety, and dignity,” he added.

Government Action

The decision followed a meeting chaired by Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya with officials from Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, and Zomato. Considering the safety and well-being of gig workers, the minister advised platforms to remove strict delivery time limits from their advertising and apps. Companies have assured the government that the branding will be removed, and Blinkit has already taken immediate steps to comply.

Chadha has actively highlighted the challenges faced by gig workers, even spending an entire day shadowing a delivery worker to understand their realities, sharing a video of the experience on social media.

This development is being hailed as a major step toward protecting the welfare and dignity of gig economy workers while ensuring they are not subjected to unrealistic and hazardous expectations.