‘End this 10-minute tyranny’: Raghav Chadha slams quick commerce, urges stronger rights for gig workers | Watch
AAP MP Raghav Chadha on Friday raised strong concerns in the Rajya Sabha over the working conditions of gig workers employed by quick-commerce and app-based service platforms. Speaking during the winter session, Chadha called for immediate regulations to safeguard the rights and welfare of delivery personnel and other contractual workers who support these rapidly expanding digital businesses.
Highlighting the daily struggles of app-based workers, he said that while consumers receive instant notifications like “Your order is on its way,” the people behind these services remain largely unacknowledged. He cited delivery partners of services such as Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, and Zepto, as well as drivers associated with Ola and Uber, and service professionals from Urban Company.
Chadha described them as the “invisible wheels of the Indian economy,” noting that despite contributing significantly to the growth of billion-dollar startups, many gig workers face harsher conditions than traditional daily wage earners. He criticised the rising pressure of “10-minute delivery” models, arguing that unrealistic timelines force delivery personnel to take risks on the road out of fear of losing ratings, incentives, or access to the platform.
He also pointed out the growing issue of customer hostility, where delays of a few minutes can lead to verbal abuse, threats of complaints, and poor ratings that impact a worker’s entire month’s earnings. In addition, Chadha highlighted the absence of job security, proper working conditions, and essential protections such as health or accident insurance.
Urging lawmakers to recognise gig workers as human beings with families and responsibilities, Chadha appealed for regulations that ensure dignity, safety, and fair treatment for them. He called for an end to what he termed the “tyranny of 10-minute delivery,” emphasising the need for a more humane and sustainable approach in the quick-commerce sector.
