Why India's Labour Minister is Urging Food Delivery Services to Rethink Speedy Deliveries

In a recent meeting, India's Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urged major food delivery services to eliminate strict '10-minute' delivery commitments, prioritizing the safety of delivery partners. This move follows growing concerns about the working conditions of gig workers, highlighted by AAP MP Raghav Chadha, who has actively supported their rights. Chadha's recent experience as a delivery partner in Delhi underscores the challenges faced by these workers. The government's intervention aims to improve safety standards and working conditions in the gig economy, reflecting a significant shift in how delivery services operate.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 13, 2026, 14:45 IST

Labour Minister Advocates for Delivery Partner Safety

New Delhi: On Tuesday, Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urged leading food delivery and quick-commerce companies to eliminate their strict '10-minute' delivery promises, emphasizing that the safety of delivery personnel should take precedence over speed.

During a meeting in New Delhi with representatives from Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, and Zomato, Mandaviya recommended that these firms remove stringent delivery timelines from their platforms and marketing materials to prioritize the well-being of their workers.

In response to this guidance, Blinkit has reportedly taken down its '10-minute delivery' claim from all its branding.

The companies assured the government that they would cease to advertise delivery time commitments across their promotional channels.

This initiative is viewed as a crucial advancement in enhancing the working conditions for delivery personnel, who frequently encounter pressure to meet tight deadlines amidst heavy traffic.

The safety and rights of gig workers have garnered increasing attention in recent weeks.

Raghav Chadha, a Rajya Sabha MP from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has been vocal about the difficulties faced by delivery partners.

On Monday, Chadha posted a video on social media where he spent a day as a delivery partner in the capital, demonstrating solidarity with gig workers.

Dressed in a quick-commerce company jacket and riding on a two-wheeler, he was seen maneuvering through Delhi's traffic while delivering packages.

In his post, he expressed his desire to understand the realities of gig workers at the grassroots level, beyond the confines of corporate discussions.

Earlier this month, Chadha welcomed the introduction of draft social security regulations for gig workers, labeling them as a significant step towards acknowledging, safeguarding, and dignifying their labor.

He also supported delivery partners who participated in a nationwide symbolic strike on New Year’s Eve, advocating for fair wages, improved working conditions, and social security.

This strike, organized by gig worker unions, saw numerous delivery partners across various states logging off their apps or reducing their workload, resulting in delays and cancellations on one of the busiest nights of the year.

Chadha characterized the workers' demands as valid, asserting that gig workers are an essential component of India's urban workforce and economy.