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 more and more people turning to freelance or contract work as a means of earning a living. According to Rohit Kapoor, the food marketplace chief of Swiggy, the gig economy has 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.
In an interview with Moneycontrol, Kapoor revealed that Swiggy’s delivery partners earned a substantial amount of money last year. “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 a testament to the fact that the gig economy is not just a niche sector, but a significant contributor to the country’s economy.
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 significant source of income for many people in India.
The gig economy has been growing rapidly in India, with companies like Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber leading the charge. These companies have created new opportunities for people to earn a living, whether it’s by delivering food, driving taxis, or completing other tasks. The gig economy has also provided a platform for people to work flexibly, choosing when and how much they want to work.
One of the key benefits of the gig economy is that it provides a source of income for people who may not have otherwise had access to traditional employment opportunities. For example, many delivery partners are students, retirees, or people who are looking for a flexible way to earn some extra money. The gig economy has also created new opportunities for women, who may have previously been excluded from the workforce due to lack of access to childcare or other barriers.
However, the gig economy is not without its challenges. One of the main concerns is that delivery partners are not provided with the same benefits and protections as traditional employees. For example, they may not have access to health insurance, paid time off, or other benefits that are typically provided to employees. This has led to calls for greater regulation of the gig economy, to ensure that delivery partners are treated fairly and have access to the same benefits and protections as traditional employees.
Despite these challenges, the gig economy is likely to continue growing in India. With the country’s large and growing population, there is a huge demand for services like food delivery, taxi rides, and other tasks. Companies like Swiggy, Zomato, and Uber are well-placed to take advantage of this demand, and are likely to continue expanding their operations in the coming years.
In addition, the gig economy is also providing new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation. For example, many delivery partners are using the gig economy as a way to start their own businesses, whether it’s by creating their own food delivery services or offering other types of services. This is helping to drive economic growth and job creation, and is likely to have a positive impact on the country’s economy as a whole.
In conclusion, the gig economy has become a significant contributor to India’s economy, with delivery partners earning over ₹5,000 crore last year. While there are challenges associated with the gig economy, it is also providing new opportunities for people to earn a living, work flexibly, and start their own businesses. As the gig economy continues to grow, it is likely to have a positive impact on the country’s economy, and will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of work in India.
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