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 with Moneycontrol, Kapoor revealed that the gig economy has been generating substantial income for delivery partners, with payouts exceeding ₹5,000 crore last year. This statement comes at a time when the earnings of delivery partners have been under scrutiny, sparking debates about the fairness of their compensation.
The gig economy, which refers to the sector of the economy that is characterized by short-term, flexible work arrangements, has been growing rapidly in India. With the rise of food delivery apps, e-commerce platforms, and ride-hailing services, the demand for gig workers has increased significantly. According to Kapoor, the gig economy has become an essential part of the Indian economy, providing a source of income 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,” Kapoor said. This amount is a testament to the significant contribution that the gig economy is making to the Indian economy. With the gig economy providing a source of income for millions of people, it has become an essential part of the country’s economic landscape.
The gig economy has been growing rapidly in India, driven by the increasing demand for food delivery, e-commerce, and ride-hailing services. According to a report by a research firm, the gig economy in India is expected to grow to $455 billion by 2025, up from $150 billion in 2020. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for gig workers, particularly in the food delivery and e-commerce sectors.
However, despite the significant contribution that the gig economy is making to the Indian economy, there have been concerns about the earnings of delivery partners. Many delivery partners have complained about the low earnings, citing the high costs of fuel, maintenance, and other expenses. There have also been reports of delivery partners being exploited by companies, with some being forced to work long hours for low pay.
In response to these concerns, companies such as Swiggy and Zomato have been working to improve the earnings of delivery partners. Swiggy, for example, has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at increasing the earnings of delivery partners, including a new payment structure that takes into account the distance traveled and the time taken to complete a delivery. The company has also introduced a number of benefits, including insurance coverage and access to loans, to help delivery partners manage their finances.
Kapoor’s remarks about the gig economy being the “third pillar of livelihood” in India highlight the significant contribution that the sector is making to the country’s economy. With the gig economy providing a source of income for millions of people, it has become an essential part of the country’s economic landscape. However, there is still a need to address the concerns about the earnings of delivery partners, to ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work.
In conclusion, 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. With payouts exceeding ₹5,000 crore last year, the gig economy is generating substantial income for delivery partners. However, there is still a need to address the concerns about the earnings of delivery partners, to ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work. As the gig economy continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that companies and policymakers work together to ensure that the sector is fair, sustainable, and beneficial to all stakeholders.
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