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Govt Urges Food Delivery Apps to Drop 10-Minute Pledges for Worker Safety

The Labour Ministry has advised major quick-commerce and food delivery platforms to eliminate rigid '10-minute' delivery commitments, prioritizing worker safety over speed. Following the intervention, Blinkit has removed its 10-minute delivery claim from all brand platforms. The issue has gained political attention, with AAP MP Raghav Chadha recently spending a day as a delivery partner to experience their challenges firsthand. This move follows recent gig worker strikes and the release of draft social security rules for the sector.

Key Points: Govt Asks Delivery Apps to Remove 10-Minute Delivery Promises

  • Govt asks platforms to remove strict delivery deadlines
  • Blinkit drops "10-minute delivery" claim
  • Move aims to improve gig workers' safety
  • AAP MP Raghav Chadha highlights workers' challenges
2 min read

Govt asks online delivery platforms to drop '10-minute' commitments to protect gig workers' safety

Labour Minister pushes Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, Zomato to drop rigid time commitments to protect delivery partners' safety on roads.

"safety of delivery partners must come before speed - Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya"

New Delhi, Jan 13

Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday asked major food delivery and quick-commerce platforms to do away with rigid '10-minute' delivery time commitments, stressing that the safety of delivery partners must come before speed.

Mandaviya held discussions with officials of Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy and Zomato here, during which, he advised them to remove strict delivery deadlines from their platforms and promotional material in the interest of delivery workers' safety.

Following the intervention, Blinkit has apparently removed its "10-minute delivery" claim from all its brand platforms.

All the companies assured the government that they would remove delivery-time commitments from their brand advertisements and social media platforms.

The move is being seen as a significant step towards improving working conditions for delivery partners, who often face pressure to meet tight deadlines on congested roads.

The issue of gig workers' safety and rights has been drawing growing attention in recent weeks.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha has been actively highlighting the challenges faced by delivery partners.

On Monday, Chadha shared a video on social media showing him spending a day as a delivery partner on the roads of the national capital to express solidarity with gig workers.

Wearing a quick-commerce company jacket and riding pillion on a two-wheeler, Chadha was seen navigating Delhi's traffic and delivering parcels to customers.

Sharing the video, he wrote that he wanted to experience the life of gig workers at the grassroots level, away from boardrooms and policy discussions.

Earlier this month, Chadha had welcomed the release of draft social security rules for gig workers, calling them a first step towards recognition, protection and dignity for their work.

He has also extended support to delivery partners who observed a nationwide symbolic strike on New Year's Eve, demanding fair wages, better working conditions and social security.

The strike, called by gig worker unions, saw thousands of delivery partners across several states logging off apps or reducing work, leading to delays and cancellations on one of the busiest days of the year.

Chadha described the workers' demands as legitimate and said gig workers form a crucial part of India's urban workforce and economy.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While I appreciate the intent, I hope this doesn't become an excuse for these platforms to become permanently slow. The convenience is why we use them. They need to find a balance - safe working conditions AND reasonable, reliable delivery times.
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Aman W
Respect to Raghav Chadha for actually trying to experience their life. Most politicians just talk. Seeing the pressure firsthand on Delhi roads changes your perspective. These workers deserve proper wages and insurance, not just empty promises.
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Sarah B
As a customer, I never asked for 10-minute delivery. I'd happily wait 30 minutes if it means the person bringing my order is safe and not stressed. Let's be more patient as a society.
K
Karthik V
The strike on New Year's Eve showed their collective power. This is a good first step, but the draft social security rules need to be implemented fast. PF, insurance, minimum earnings guarantee - that's the real change needed. Jai hind 🇮🇳
M
Michael C
Interesting to see India taking a lead on gig worker safety. In many countries, these companies operate with little regulation. Hope the platforms don't just change ads but actually reform their internal algorithms that still punish slower delivery.

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