Gig economy India’s 3rd pillar, delivery partners got ₹5,000 cr last yr: Swiggy’s Rohit
The gig economy has become an integral part of India’s livelihood landscape, with food delivery platforms like Swiggy playing a significant role in providing income opportunities to thousands of delivery partners across the country. In a recent interview with Moneycontrol, Swiggy’s food marketplace chief, Rohit Kapoor, revealed that the gig economy has become a “third pillar of livelihood” in India, alongside traditional employment and entrepreneurship. This statement comes at a time when the gig economy is facing increased scrutiny over issues related to worker earnings, benefits, and job security.
Kapoor’s remarks highlight the growing importance of the gig economy in India, where millions of people are turning to platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber to earn a living. The food delivery sector, in particular, has seen exponential growth in recent years, with the number of delivery partners increasing manifold. According to Kapoor, Swiggy’s delivery partners earned a substantial amount of money last year, with the company paying out over ₹5,000 crore to them. “Last year, we would have paid out more than ₹5,000 crore, so there is a substantial amount of income flowing back into delivery partners’ hands,” he said.
This figure is significant, as it underscores the economic impact of the gig economy on the lives of delivery partners and their families. For many of these individuals, working with food delivery platforms has become a primary source of income, providing them with the financial stability and flexibility they need to support themselves and their loved ones. The fact that Swiggy alone paid out over ₹5,000 crore to its delivery partners last year demonstrates the scale and reach of the gig economy in India.
The growth of the gig economy in India can be attributed to several factors, including the increasing demand for food delivery services, the rise of digital payments, and the availability of affordable smartphones. As more and more people turn to online platforms to order food and other essential services, the demand for delivery partners has skyrocketed. This has created new income opportunities for thousands of people, many of whom were previously unemployed or underemployed.
However, the gig economy is not without its challenges. One of the main concerns is the issue of worker earnings, with many delivery partners complaining about low pay, long working hours, and lack of benefits. There have been reports of delivery partners earning as little as ₹15,000-20,000 per month, which is barely enough to cover their living expenses. This has led to calls for greater regulation and oversight of the gig economy, with many advocating for better working conditions, higher pay, and social security benefits for delivery partners.
Despite these challenges, the gig economy remains a vital source of income for millions of people in India. For many delivery partners, working with food delivery platforms has provided them with a sense of financial independence and flexibility that they may not have found in traditional employment. As the gig economy continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that we will see new innovations and solutions emerge to address the challenges faced by delivery partners.
In conclusion, the gig economy has become a “third pillar of livelihood” in India, providing income opportunities to thousands of delivery partners across the country. Swiggy’s Rohit Kapoor’s remarks highlight the significance of the gig economy in India, with the company paying out over ₹5,000 crore to its delivery partners last year. As the gig economy continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that we address the challenges faced by delivery partners, including low pay, lack of benefits, and job insecurity. By working together, we can create a more sustainable and equitable gig economy that benefits all stakeholders.
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