"Are we happy about being delivery girls and boys?" "Chinese are making semi con chips, EV batteries"
New Delhi, April 4, 2025 – Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal ignited a firestorm of debate at the second edition of Startup Mahakumbh 2025, held in New Delhi on April 3, with comments perceived by many as dismissive of India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem. Addressing a gathering of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, Goyal’s remarks drew sharp criticism for undervaluing the contributions of gig economy startups while pushing for a shift toward high-tech innovation.
In his speech, Goyal took aim at the dominance of food delivery and gig service platforms, stating, “We are focused on food delivery apps, turning unemployed youths into cheap labour, so the rich can get their meals without moving out of their house.” He contrasted India’s startup trajectory with that of China, which he noted has surged ahead in deep-tech sectors like semiconductors and robotics. Urging a pivot to advanced fields such as artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and cutting-edge technology, Goyal posed a provocative question: “Are we going to be happy being delivery boys and girls?”
The rhetorical jab quickly sparked a backlash from prominent voices in India’s startup community. Industry leaders, including Ashneer Grover, Aadit Palicha, and Mohandas Pai, took to social media and public forums to defend the ecosystem, arguing that gig economy startups have been pivotal in creating jobs and driving economic inclusion. Posts on X reflected widespread sentiment, with one user noting, “Food delivery apps have employed lakhs of youth—calling it ‘cheap labour’ ignores the reality of job creation.” Others criticized Goyal for overlooking the innovation within these platforms, which have scaled rapidly to meet urban demand.
Goyal’s comments also raised questions about the government’s stance on supporting diverse startup models. While his call for investment in high-tech sectors aligns with India’s broader economic ambitions, critics argue that disparaging the gig economy risks alienating a vital segment of the workforce and entrepreneurial landscape. “Startups aren’t just about semiconductors—they’re about solving real-world problems, whether that’s delivering food or building robots,” one attendee remarked.
The controversy comes at a time when India’s startup ecosystem is gaining global recognition, with over 100 unicorns and a growing pool of venture capital. However, Goyal’s remarks underscore a tension between fostering grassroots innovation and chasing technological supremacy on the world stage. As the dust settles from Startup Mahakumbh 2025, the debate is likely to fuel further discussion on the direction—and dignity—of India’s entrepreneurial future.
"Are we happy about being delivery girls and boys?" "Food delivery apps are turning unemployed youth into cheap labour so rich can get their meals without moving out of the house" "Kids of billionaires are making fancy icecream/cookies and calling it a startup." "Chinese are making semi con chips, EV batteries" "India has only 1000 deep tech startups" "Dukaandari hi karna hai?" Also tells
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