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Raghav Chadha Celebrates End of '10-Minute Delivery' for Gig Workers

Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha celebrated with gig workers after the government directed food delivery and quick-commerce platforms to eliminate rigid "10-minute delivery" commitments. Chadha stated the policy endangered delivery workers by forcing dangerous driving to meet unrealistic deadlines. The directive followed discussions between Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and major platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, and Zomato. The companies have agreed to remove strict delivery time promises from their branding and promotions.

Key Points: Govt Ends 10-Minute Delivery Mandate for Worker Safety

  • Govt bans rigid 10-minute delivery
  • Chadha cites worker safety and stress
  • Platforms agree to remove time commitments
  • Move hailed as victory for gig workers
3 min read

MP Raghav Chadha joins gig workers in celebrating the end of '10-minute delivery'

AAP MP Raghav Chadha joins gig workers in celebrating a government directive to food delivery platforms to remove rigid 10-minute delivery commitments.

"The decision... will not only ensure gig workers' safety and security but also prove to be a milestone for improvement in their dignity and working conditions. - Raghav Chadha"

New Delhi, Jan 13

Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Tuesday joined gig workers in celebrating a victory for their "safety, dignity and work conditions" as the government directed food delivery and quick-commerce platforms to do away with rigid "10-minute delivery" commitments.

In a video message, Chadha said that it is a memorable day for gig workers as the Central government has struck down the private companies' "10-minute delivery" branding.

"The credit for this outcome goes to you as you all collectively put in efforts for achieving this," he said, adding that the government acted upon their efforts despite the private companies overlooking it.

"I want to thank the Central government for intervening in the matter," said Chadha, describing the cruelty linked to "10-minute delivery" as real.

"There is real danger involved when a delivery rider is carrying a bag or wearing a dress bearing the promise of '10-minute delivery' or when he is trying to beat the 10-minute timer on a customer's phone," said Chadha.

He said the promise of "10-minute delivery" adds to the mental stress of delivery workers and forces them to drive dangerously to meet the deadline, endangering other road users.

"In the past few months, I interacted with many gig delivery workers, and they all complained about being underpaid and overworked, silently bearing the load of this unrealistic promise of 10-minute delivery," said Chadha.

The AAP MP said no parliamentarian is against any private company, but they are worried about the exploitation of gig workers.

"The decision taken by the Central government will not only ensure gig workers' safety and security but also prove to be a milestone for improvement in their dignity and working conditions," said Chadha, reassuring gig workers that they are not alone in their fight but enjoy the support of the entire nation.

Earlier in the day, Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya 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 in Delhi, 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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some sense prevails! I've seen these delivery guys weaving through traffic at dangerous speeds. No pizza or groceries are worth a human life. Hope this leads to better working conditions and fair pay for them. They are the backbone of this convenience economy.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the intent, I hope this doesn't become an excuse for these companies to become lazy with deliveries. The focus should shift from 'speed at any cost' to 'reliable and safe delivery'. The algorithms need to be reworked for humane timelines.
S
Sarah B
It's heartening to see cross-party support on an issue of worker welfare. MP Chadha is right to highlight the mental stress. This is a good first step, but the fight for gig workers' rights, including social security and benefits, is a long one. The government must keep the momentum.
V
Vikram M
A much-needed intervention. These companies built their brand on exploiting the desperation of young workers. Removing the timer is good, but what about the underlying pay structure that still forces them to take multiple orders? The real test is if their earnings improve without the insane time pressure.
K
Kavya N
As a customer, I'm perfectly happy to wait 20-25 minutes if it means the person delivering my order is safe and not stressed. This is a win for basic humanity. Kudos to the gig workers who raised their voice and the leaders who listened. 🙏

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