Blinkit agent earns Rs 763 for 15 hours, Raghav Chadha flags 'exploitation'

Raising concerns over systemic exploitation of gig workers by quick commerce companies, AAP MP Raghav Chadha cited a recent viral video in which a Blinkit delivery agent claimed that he earned just Rs 763 for 28 deliveries over nearly 15 hours. Chadha, who recently raised the issue in Parliament, underscored that India cannot build a digital economy on the back of "underpaid" and "overworked" workers.

In September, a Blinkit delivery agent from Uttarakhand, identified as Thapliyal Ji, shared his meagre daily earnings in a post on Instagram. A screengrab shared by him revealed that he earned only Rs 763 after working over 15 hours, an average of Rs 51.33 per hour.

"This is not a gig economy success story. This is systemic exploitation hidden behind apps and algorithms... This Blinkit case only confirms what millions live every day," the Rajya Sabha MP tweeted.

Flagging exploitative labour practices, Chadha underlined the plight of gig workers - low pay, crushing targets, no job security, and no dignity.

The AAP leader stressed that while digital platforms have expanded rapidly, labour protections have not kept pace. "Fair wages, humane hours and social security for gig workers are non-negotiable," he further said.

Chadha's post generated a widespread debate on X, with several stressing that labour laws were only on paper.

"And if one uses an e-bike like YULU or something, Rs 200 per day for that. And if not, and uses his own vehicle, then Rs 150-200 for petrol. In the end, it's Rs 500-600 per day, Rs 15K-18K a month," an entrepreneur, Rishabh Singhal, tweeted.

India had 77 lakh gig workers in 2020-21, according to a NITI Aayog report. The workforce is projected to rise to 2.35 crore by 2029-30.

However, the newly notified labour codes have formally brought gig workers, including delivery partners and ride-hailing drivers, under a recognised social security framework for the first time. It includes access to provident fund benefits, ESIC coverage, as well as insurance.

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