Rs 763 for 28 deliveries in 15 hours: MP Raghav Chadha meets Blinkit rider, sparks fresh debate on Gig Workers’ rights
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, December 27, 2025: A short video posted by a Blinkit delivery partner has triggered a nationwide debate on the harsh realities of India’s gig economy, after the rider revealed he earned just ₹763 despite completing 28 deliveries over nearly 15 hours of work.
The video caught the attention of Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who had earlier raised concerns in Parliament about low wages, excessive working hours, algorithm-driven pressure, and the absence of social security for gig and platform workers.
Responding swiftly, Chadha publicly acknowledged the delivery partner’s ordeal and reiterated the urgent need for structural reforms to protect the dignity and rights of gig workers.
Following the conclusion of the Winter Session of Parliament, Chadha invited the delivery partner to lunch at his residence.
The meeting, described as warm and candid, provided a rare opportunity for direct dialogue. Over lunch, the delivery partner spoke openly about long working hours, unpredictable earnings, relentless algorithm-based targets, and the lack of basic security or effective grievance redressal mechanisms.
The delivery partner expressed gratitude for being heard, calling the interaction reassuring and respectful. He said such engagement gave workers hope that their struggles were finally reaching policymakers.
Reaffirming his stance, Raghav Chadha said that while India’s gig economy is expanding rapidly, it cannot be built on the exploitation of workers.
“Growth cannot come at the cost of human dignity and basic rights,” he emphasised, adding that he would continue to raise these concerns at the policy level.
The interaction has been widely seen as a powerful reminder that meaningful reform begins by listening to those directly affected. Chadha, who is married to Bollywood actor Parineeti Chopra—often seen sharing light-hearted moments with him on social media—kept the focus firmly on policy and people, rather than optics.