Gig economy India’s 3rd pillar, delivery partners got ₹5,000 cr last yr: Swiggy’s Rohit
The gig economy has revolutionized the way people work and earn a living in India. According to Rohit Kapoor, the food marketplace chief at Swiggy, the gig economy has become a “third pillar of livelihood” in the country. This statement is a testament to the growing importance of the gig economy in India, where millions of people are now relying on freelance or contract work to earn a living.
In a recent 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 significant indication of the economic impact of the gig economy in India, where delivery partners are playing a crucial role in the food delivery and logistics sector.
Kapoor’s remarks come amid continued scrutiny of delivery partner earnings. There have been concerns raised about the working conditions, wages, and benefits of delivery partners, who are often classified as independent contractors rather than employees. However, Kapoor’s statement suggests that the gig economy is providing a significant source of income for many people in India, particularly in the food delivery sector.
The gig economy has grown rapidly in India in recent years, driven by the rise of food delivery and ride-hailing apps. According to a report by KPMG, the gig economy in India is expected to grow to $455 billion by 2025, up from $150 billion in 2020. This growth is driven by the increasing demand for flexible and temporary work arrangements, as well as the rise of digital platforms that connect workers with customers.
Swiggy is one of the largest food delivery platforms in India, with over 200,000 delivery partners across the country. The company has been at the forefront of the gig economy in India, providing opportunities for people to earn a living as delivery partners. However, the company has also faced criticism over the working conditions and wages of its delivery partners, who often work long hours for low pay.
Despite these challenges, the gig economy is providing a vital source of income for many people in India. According to a report by Ola, the ride-hailing company, its drivers earn an average of ₹40,000 per month, which is higher than the average monthly salary in India. Similarly, delivery partners on Swiggy and other food delivery platforms can earn up to ₹50,000 per month, depending on the number of deliveries they make.
The gig economy is also providing opportunities for people to work flexibly and on their own terms. Many delivery partners on Swiggy and other platforms are students, homemakers, or retirees who want to earn a supplemental income. The gig economy is providing them with the flexibility to work when they want, how they want, and for as long as they want.
In conclusion, the gig economy has become a vital part of the Indian economy, providing a “third pillar of livelihood” for millions of people. The statement by Rohit Kapoor, the food marketplace chief at Swiggy, highlights the significant economic impact of the gig economy in India, where delivery partners earned over ₹5,000 crore last year. While there are challenges associated with the gig economy, it is clear that it is providing a vital source of income for many people in India, particularly in the food delivery and logistics sector.
As the gig economy continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that we will see more opportunities for people to earn a living as delivery partners, drivers, and other types of freelance workers. The key will be to ensure that these workers are treated fairly and with dignity, and that they have access to the benefits and protections they need to thrive in the gig economy.
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