The Central government has withdrawn the 10-minute delivery model, providing major relief to gig workers across the country. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya issued orders in this regard on Tuesday, directing e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms to discontinue ultra-fast delivery timelines. The decision is expected to benefit delivery personnel associated with platforms such as Zepto, Blinkit, BigBasket, Instamart, Swiggy, and Zomato. The Centre has also warned of strict action against companies found violating the revised guidelines.
The move follows nationwide strikes by gig workers on December 25 and 31, called by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers and the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union, demanding the withdrawal of the 10-minute delivery norm citing safety concerns. Even ahead of the government’s decision, Blinkit had announced the suspension of its 10-minute delivery feature.
Meanwhile, the issue triggered a wider debate on ultra-fast deliveries, prompting Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal to clarify that delivery speed depends on infrastructure and proximity of stores, not pressure on riders. He stated that delivery partners are neither penalised for delays nor incentivised for faster deliveries, and assured that medical and life insurance coverage is provided to all delivery partners.