NewKerala.com

Amitabh Kant Warns: Politicizing Gig Economy Will Kill Quick Commerce and Jobs

Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has issued a strong warning against politicizing India's gig economy. He argues that such moves would destroy the booming quick commerce sector and the millions of jobs it creates. Kant specifically targeted AAP MP Raghav Chadha, accusing his party of being "job killers" while dismissing concerns over worker exploitation as political. The debate highlights the tension between rapid platform growth and calls for better pay and rights for delivery riders.

Key Points: Amitabh Kant Warns Politicizing Gig Economy Will Destroy Quick Commerce Jobs

  • Amitabh Kant warns politicization threatens gig jobs set to grow to 23.5 million by 2030
  • Kant criticizes AAP's Raghav Chadha, calling his party "job killers, not creators"
  • Chadha highlights riders' protests over low pay and lack of social security
  • Zomato data shows delivery partners' gross earnings potential of ~Rs 26,500 per month
3 min read

Politicising gig economy will kill quick commerce, destroy jobs: Amitabh Kant

Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant warns against politicizing the gig economy, saying it will kill quick commerce, destroy millions of jobs, and push workers into informality.

Politicising gig economy will kill quick commerce, destroy jobs: Amitabh Kant
"Politicising the gig economy will kill quick commerce, destroy jobs & push workers back into the informal sector. - Amitabh Kant"

New Delhi, Jan 3

Amid the growing debate over gig workers, former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant has said that politicising the gig economy will kill quick commerce, destroy jobs and push workers back into the informal sector.

In a post on X, former G20 Sherpa Kant said that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha and his party are "not job creators but job killers".

“Gig jobs are set to grow from 7.7 million to 23.5 million by 2030 — among India’s largest job-creation engines. Calling this ‘exploitation’ by folks who have not created a single job is political, not factual,” Kant posted.

On December 31 alone, Zomato and Blinkit delivered more than 75 lakh orders. That demand came from millions of Indians choosing speed, convenience and value, he said.

“Politicising the gig economy will kill quick commerce, destroy jobs & push workers back into the informal sector (zero rights, zero safety). @raghav_chadha and AAP are not job creators; they are job killers,” Kant stressed.

According to him, let markets work, strengthen safety nets and “don’t sabotage innovation for political ends”.

Chadha said on Friday that “It’s tragic that millions of delivery riders who helped build instant-commerce companies into what they are today, are now forced to protest just to be heard”. He noted that the quick delivery platforms succeeded with the sweat and labour of the delivery riders and thus must be treated as human beings.

Earlier, speaking to IANS, Chadha highlighted concerns over low and unpredictable pay, long working hours, lack of social security and absence of dignity at work.

However, according to Eternal Founder Deepinder Goyal, in 2025, average earnings per hour (EPH), excluding tips, for a delivery partner on Zomato were Rs 102.

“In 2024, this number was Rs 92. That’s a 10.9 per cent year-on-year increase. Over a longer horizon also, EPH has shown steady growth. Most delivery partners work for a few hours and only a few days in a month. But if someone were to work for 10 hours/day, 26 days/month, this translates to Rs 26,500/month in gross earnings. After accounting for fuel and maintenance (20 per cent), the net earnings for the partner are Rs 21,000/month,” he explained.

On top of this, delivery partners earn 100 per cent of tips given by customers.

“The average tip per hour in 2025 on Zomato was Rs 2.6 and in 2024 was Rs 2.4 per hour. Tips are transferred instantly, with zero deductions. We absorb the payment gateway processing cost ourselves. About 5 per cent of the orders get tipped on Zomato; 2.5 per cent on Blinkit,” Goyal posted on X.

In 2025, the average delivery partner on Zomato worked 38 days in the year and 7 hours per working day, reflecting true gig style participation rather than fixed schedules, he added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
But we can't ignore the riders' concerns either. Rs 21,000 net in a metro city after fuel costs is not enough for a family. They work in rain and heat, with no PF or insurance. There has to be a middle path - protect jobs but also ensure basic dignity and security for workers. 🤔
R
Rohit P
The data from Zomato is interesting. If someone works consistently, they can earn decently. The flexibility is the key benefit. Many use it as a side income. Over-regulation will just make these services expensive and we'll lose the convenience. Let's not go back to the license raj mentality.
S
Sarah B
As someone who uses these services daily in Bangalore, I see both sides. The delivery people are always rushing. The companies are making huge profits. Surely they can share a little more with the workforce that makes it all possible? A small contribution to an ESI-like fund wouldn't break them.
V
Vikram M
Typical political drama. One side calls it exploitation, the other calls it job creation. The truth is somewhere in between. Yes, it's better than being totally unemployed, but companies must be held accountable for fair pay and safety. We need a smart policy, not political slogans.
K
Karthik V
75 lakh orders in one day! This shows how much we rely on these services now. From medicines to groceries, it's a lifeline for many. Instead of killing it, the government should work with companies to create a win-win framework. The gig economy is India's future, let's nurture it properly.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50