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 workforce, providing a substantial source of income for millions of individuals. According to Rohit Kapoor, the food marketplace chief of Swiggy, the gig economy has now become a “third pillar of livelihood” in India. This statement is significant, as it highlights the growing importance of the gig economy in the country’s job market. In an interview with Moneycontrol, Kapoor revealed that Swiggy’s delivery partners earned over ₹5,000 crore last year, demonstrating the substantial amount of income flowing back into their hands.
The gig economy, which includes platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber, has been growing rapidly in India over the past few years. These platforms have created new job opportunities for millions of individuals, providing them with the flexibility to work on their own terms. The gig economy has become a vital source of income for many, particularly in urban areas where traditional job opportunities may be scarce.
Kapoor’s remarks come amid continued scrutiny of delivery partner earnings. There have been concerns raised about the low earnings of delivery partners, with some arguing that they are not paid fairly for their work. However, Kapoor’s statement suggests that the gig economy is providing a substantial source of income for many delivery partners. The fact that Swiggy’s delivery partners earned over ₹5,000 crore last year is a significant indicator of the earnings potential of the gig economy.
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. The rise of e-commerce and the growing middle class in India have created a large market for food delivery and other services, which has led to the growth of the gig economy. Additionally, the gig economy provides individuals with the flexibility to work on their own terms, which is attractive to many who value the freedom to choose their own working hours.
The gig economy has also created new opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Many individuals have started their own businesses, providing services such as food delivery, transportation, and household maintenance. These businesses have created new job opportunities and have contributed to the growth of the gig economy.
However, the gig economy is not without its challenges. One of the major concerns is the lack of job security and benefits for gig workers. Unlike traditional employees, gig workers are not entitled to benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. This can make it difficult for gig workers to plan for the future and can leave them vulnerable to financial shocks.
Another challenge facing the gig economy is the issue of worker classification. Many gig workers are classified as independent contractors, rather than employees, which means they are not entitled to the same benefits and protections as traditional employees. This has led to controversy and debate, with some arguing that gig workers should be classified as employees and entitled to the same benefits and protections.
Despite these challenges, the gig economy is likely to continue growing in India. The demand for food delivery and other services is expected to continue increasing, which will create new job opportunities for gig workers. Additionally, the Indian government has launched several initiatives to support the growth of the gig economy, including the creation of a national platform for gig workers.
In conclusion, the gig economy has become a vital part of India’s job market, providing a substantial source of income for millions of individuals. The fact that Swiggy’s delivery partners earned over ₹5,000 crore last year is a significant indicator of the earnings potential of the gig economy. While there are challenges facing the gig economy, including the lack of job security and benefits for gig workers, it is likely to continue growing in the coming years.
As Rohit Kapoor, the food marketplace chief of Swiggy, noted, the gig economy has become a “third pillar of livelihood” in India. This statement highlights the importance of the gig economy in providing income opportunities for millions of individuals. As the gig economy continues to grow, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping India’s job market and economy.
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