Goodbye '10-minute' delivery

Autorickshaws used to suddenly cut off without using indicators, contributing to many accidents on roads. Now, two–wheelers are also following the same erroneous pattern on the road, inviting tragedies. With autorickshaws now driving in compliance with traffic laws as part of awareness and punitive measures, such accidents have reduced significantly. And now, two-wheelers of delivery boys of leading online platforms are filling those voids left by autorickshaws that used to ply on the road dangerously.

Completing maximum orders in a short time would get delivery partners a bonus. The food delivery guys thus display a death race on the road with eyes on their big bonus. This race has invariably caused many accidents. Because the race poses a threat to the lives of both food delivery partners and road users, the central government initiated appropriate steps to end the marketing method of Quick Commerce and food delivery apps that claim online delivery in ten minutes. The Union Ministry of Labour has taken action, stating that the promise of delivery in ten minutes will affect the safety of the distributors.

The move came after discussions with representatives of platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, and Zomato. They have also asked the platforms to remove such taglines. Following the government's directive, Blinkit has also removed the claim of 10-minute delivery. Other companies will also do so in the coming days. Gig workers, contract workers employed in the online sector, had staged a symbolic strike on New Year's Day, alleging that rushing to deliver goods within 10 minutes causes accidents, and alleged that companies were not increasing their wages accordingly. It is against this backdrop that the central government held discussions with the protestors' organisation and decided not to offer 10-minute delivery.

The new labour code of the central government provides for the inclusion of gig workers and platform workers in social security measures. Announcing the new measure, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya clarified that the government is giving priority to the safety of employees.

Along with safety, their wage increase is also an important issue for companies to consider. Gig work is one of the new ways for many students to make pocket money. Most of these students hail from financially backward families and chose this profession to not aggravate the financial burden of their parents. Therefore, ensuring the growth and security of such gig workers is definitely a good step.