Gig Workers’ Issues Echo in Parliament; Raghav Chadha Urges Govt to Act — Watch VIDEO

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): AAP MP Raghav Chadha raised the concerns of delivery workers in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the challenges faced by gig workers across the country. He said that delivery personnel who rush to deliver orders within 10 minutes or “as fast as possible” are the “unseen wheels of the Indian economy.” According to him, the silence of these workers hides their insecurity and fear of losing work, which forces them to risk their lives.

Chadha pointed out that e-commerce and instant delivery companies, which have transformed people’s lives, have earned billions due to this silent workforce, yet the condition of these workers is worse than daily wage labourers.

He added that Zomato and Swiggy delivery boys, Ola and Uber drivers, Blinkit and Zepto riders, and Urban Company technicians are all called gig workers, but in reality, they keep the Indian economy moving. Due to pressure to deliver quickly, these workers often worry that delays will reduce their ratings, cut incentive earnings, lead to app logout, or even get their IDs blocked. Out of fear, many ignore traffic signals and risk their lives to deliver on time.

Chadha said that even a 10-minute delay makes them fear customer anger. Many customers scold them, threaten to file complaints, and often give one-star ratings, ruining their monthly performance. Most gig workers work 12–14 hours a day, regardless of the weather. They lack basic safety gear and receive no bonuses or special allowances. “For them, low income and high risk is the daily reality,” he said.

Chadha emphasized that gig workers are also someone’s sons, brothers, husbands, and fathers, and their families depend on them. He appealed to the government to recognise their struggles and frame policies that can provide real support and relief to them.