Gig economy India’s 3rd pillar, delivery partners got ₹5,000 cr last yr: Swiggy’s Rohit
The gig economy has been on the rise in India, with millions of people opting for flexible and temporary work arrangements. According to Rohit Kapoor, the food marketplace chief of Swiggy, the gig economy has become a “third pillar of livelihood” in the country. In a recent interview with Moneycontrol, Kapoor revealed that Swiggy’s delivery partners earned a substantial amount of money last year, with payouts exceeding ₹5,000 crore.
This statement is significant, especially considering the ongoing debate about the earnings of delivery partners in the gig economy. Many have raised concerns about the low wages and lack of benefits for these workers, who are often classified as independent contractors rather than employees. However, Kapoor’s remarks suggest that the gig economy is providing a significant source of income for many individuals in India.
The gig economy has grown rapidly in India over the past few years, with the rise of platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, and Ola. These platforms have created new opportunities for people to work on a flexible, part-time basis, often using their own vehicles or equipment. According to a report by the Indian Staffing Federation, the gig economy is expected to grow to $455 billion by 2025, up from $113 billion in 2020.
Kapoor’s statement about the payouts to delivery partners is a testament to the growing size and scope of the gig economy in India. With over ₹5,000 crore paid out to delivery partners last year, it is clear that the gig economy is providing a significant source of income for many individuals. This is especially important in a country like India, where traditional employment opportunities may be limited, especially in certain sectors.
The gig economy has also created new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation in India. Many individuals are using platforms like Swiggy and Zomato to start their own small businesses, whether it is delivering food, providing transportation services, or offering other types of gig work. This has helped to promote economic growth and development, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
However, despite the growth and potential of the gig economy, there are still many challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main concerns is the lack of benefits and job security for gig workers, who are often classified as independent contractors rather than employees. This means that they may not have access to benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans.
Another challenge facing the gig economy is the issue of worker safety and well-being. Many gig workers, especially those in the transportation and delivery sectors, face risks such as accidents, harassment, and exploitation. There is a need for greater regulation and protection for these workers, to ensure that they are treated fairly and with dignity.
In conclusion, the gig economy has become a significant part of the Indian economy, with millions of people opting for flexible and temporary work arrangements. According to Rohit Kapoor, the food marketplace chief of Swiggy, the gig economy has become a “third pillar of livelihood” in the country, with delivery partners earning over ₹5,000 crore last year. While there are still many challenges that need to be addressed, the gig economy has the potential to promote economic growth and development, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
As the gig economy continues to grow and evolve, it is essential to ensure that workers are treated fairly and with dignity. This includes providing access to benefits, job security, and protection from exploitation and harassment. By addressing these challenges, we can help to create a more sustainable and equitable gig economy, one that benefits both workers and platforms alike.
In the words of Rohit Kapoor, the gig economy has the potential to be a “game-changer” for India, providing new opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth. As we move forward, it is essential to prioritize the needs and concerns of gig workers, to ensure that they are treated fairly and with dignity. By doing so, we can help to create a more vibrant and inclusive economy, one that benefits all stakeholders.
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