New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha on Tuesday welcomed the Union government’s directive asking food delivery and quick-commerce platforms to do away with “10-minute delivery” commitments, calling it a major victory for gig workers who have been raising concerns over unsafe working conditions and unfair pay structures.

Reacting to the decision, Chadha took to social media platform X and said, “Satyamev Jayate. Together, we have won.” He thanked citizens who, according to him, stood “on the side of human life, safety and dignity” and assured gig workers of his continued support. Chadha also expressed gratitude to the Centre for what he described as a “timely, decisive and compassionate intervention” in enforcing the removal of “10-minute delivery” branding from quick-commerce platforms.

Concerns over delivery pressure and safety

In his post, Chadha highlighted the pressure faced by delivery workers due to strict timelines promoted by platforms. “When ‘10 minutes’ is printed on a rider’s T-shirt, jacket or bag, and a timer runs on the customer’s screen, the pressure is real, constant, and dangerous,” he said.

Gig workers and labour rights groups have long argued that ultra-fast delivery promises incentivise reckless driving, increase the risk of road accidents and force workers to prioritise speed over safety. Several delivery riders have reported that missing such deadlines often results in penalties, reduced incentives or poor performance ratings, directly impacting their earnings.

Chadha said the decision to halt such branding was not merely about marketing but about recognising the human cost behind these promises. “No convenience is worth a human life,” he added, reiterating that dignity and safety must be placed above aggressive business models.

Centre steps in after consultations

Chadha’s remarks came shortly after Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya directed major food delivery and quick-commerce platforms to remove “10-minute” delivery assurances from their platforms and promotional material. The direction followed a series of discussions between the ministry and representatives of leading companies, including Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy and Zomato.

According to officials, the companies were advised to avoid strict delivery deadlines in the interest of delivery workers’ safety. The ministry reportedly emphasised that business practices should not endanger workers or compel them to take risks on the road to meet unrealistic timelines.

Sources said the discussions focused on balancing consumer convenience with worker welfare, and that platforms were urged to redesign their incentive structures to ensure fair compensation without linking earnings to unsafe delivery speeds.

Support for gig workers’ demands

Chadha has been one of the more vocal political leaders supporting gig workers’ demands for fair wages, improved working conditions and social security coverage. He has consistently argued that gig workers form the backbone of the new-age digital economy but remain among the most vulnerable sections of the workforce.

On Monday, a day before the Centre’s directive, Chadha released a video in which he wore a Blinkit delivery uniform and accompanied a delivery rider to fulfil an order. The video, widely shared on social media, was aimed at highlighting the physical strain, time pressure and uncertainties faced by delivery partners on a daily basis.

Earlier, on December 31 last year, Chadha spent New Year’s Eve with gig workers, many of whom had gone on a nationwide strike demanding better pay structures, accident insurance, health cover and recognition as workers rather than “partners”.

Growing debate on gig economy regulation

The issue of ultra-fast deliveries has sparked a wider debate on the regulation of the gig economy in India. While platforms argue that quick deliveries are driven by consumer demand and operational efficiency, labour activists say the model transfers risk disproportionately onto workers.

India has an estimated several lakh gig workers engaged in food delivery, grocery delivery and logistics services across urban centres. Despite their growing numbers, many lack basic social security benefits such as provident fund, health insurance or paid leave.

Chadha has repeatedly called for a comprehensive legal framework to protect gig and platform workers, including minimum wage guarantees and accident compensation. He said the Centre’s latest move could serve as a precedent for further reforms.

Industry response awaited

While the Labour Ministry has issued its advisory, industry observers are closely watching how platforms will implement the changes on the ground. Some companies have already begun toning down aggressive delivery-time branding, while others are expected to revise app interfaces and marketing campaigns in the coming days.

Experts note that removing “10-minute” guarantees could also help platforms focus on service quality and sustainability rather than speed alone. However, they caution that meaningful change will depend on whether internal incentive systems and penalties linked to delivery times are also reworked.

Conclusion

The Centre’s decision to halt “10-minute delivery” commitments marks a significant moment in India’s evolving gig economy landscape. Welcomed by Raghav Chadha and labour advocates alike, the move has been seen as a step towards prioritising worker safety and dignity over hyper-competitive delivery promises. As debates on gig worker rights continue, the focus is now on whether this intervention will translate into lasting improvements in wages, working conditions and social security for delivery workers across the country.