Gig economy India’s 3rd pillar, delivery partners got ₹5,000 cr last yr: Swiggy’s Rohit
The gig economy has become a significant contributor to the Indian economy, with Swiggy’s food marketplace chief, Rohit Kapoor, stating that it has become the “third pillar of livelihood” in the country. In a recent interview, Kapoor revealed that the food delivery platform paid out more than ₹5,000 crore to its delivery partners last year, highlighting the substantial income flowing back into their hands. This announcement comes at a time when the earnings of delivery partners have been under scrutiny, with many raising concerns about their welfare and working conditions.
The gig economy, which includes platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber, has grown exponentially in India over the past few years. With the rise of smartphones and affordable internet, more and more people are turning to these platforms to earn a living. The gig economy provides an opportunity for individuals to work on a flexible, freelance basis, choosing when and how much they want to work. This flexibility has made it an attractive option for many, particularly in a country like India where traditional employment opportunities may be limited.
According to Kapoor, the gig economy has become an essential part of the Indian economy, providing a livelihood for millions of people. “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 amount is significant, and it highlights the importance of the gig economy in India. With the country’s economy growing rapidly, the gig economy is expected to play an even more critical role in the future.
The growth of the gig economy in India can be attributed to several factors. One of the primary reasons is the increasing demand for food delivery and other services. With more and more people living busy lives, they are looking for convenient options to order food and other essentials. This demand has led to the rise of food delivery platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, which have created a large number of jobs for delivery partners.
Another factor contributing to the growth of the gig economy is the availability of cheap smartphones and internet. With the cost of smartphones and data plans decreasing, more and more people are able to access the internet and use platforms like Swiggy and Uber. This has made it easier for people to sign up as delivery partners and start earning a living.
However, despite the growth of the gig economy, there are concerns about the welfare of delivery partners. Many have raised questions about their working conditions, earnings, and social security benefits. Delivery partners often work long hours, navigating through heavy traffic and dealing with difficult customers. They also face the risk of accidents and injuries, which can have a significant impact on their livelihood.
In recent years, there have been several reports of delivery partners protesting against their working conditions and earnings. Many have demanded better pay, social security benefits, and improved working conditions. In response to these concerns, some platforms have started to take steps to improve the welfare of their delivery partners. For example, Swiggy has introduced a range of benefits, including insurance coverage, medical assistance, and financial support for delivery partners.
Kapoor’s remarks about the gig economy being the “third pillar of livelihood” in India highlight the significance of this sector. With the country’s economy growing rapidly, the gig economy is expected to play an even more critical role in the future. As the demand for food delivery and other services continues to rise, the number of jobs available in the gig economy is likely to increase. This will provide more opportunities for people to earn a living and improve their standard of living.
In conclusion, the gig economy has become a vital part of the Indian economy, providing a livelihood for millions of people. With the rise of platforms like Swiggy and Zomato, the demand for food delivery and other services has increased, creating a large number of jobs for delivery partners. While there are concerns about the welfare of delivery partners, many platforms are taking steps to improve their working conditions and earnings. As the gig economy continues to grow, it is likely to play an even more critical role in the Indian economy, providing opportunities for people to earn a living and improve their standard of living.
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