Blinkit Rider Shares Harrowing Experiences: '10-Minute Deliveries, No Respect, and Stair Climbs'
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Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha recently met with a Blinkit delivery partner, Himanshu, to discuss the concerns he raised in Parliament about the working conditions of app-based delivery workers. Himanshu's viral video exposed the harsh realities of low earnings and long working hours. Chadha, who had previously raised issues of low wages, excessive working hours, and lack of social security for gig workers, invited Himanshu to his residence for lunch to hear his story firsthand. During their meeting, Himanshu revealed the pressure of 10-minute deliveries, which often works against riders rather than helping them earn incentives. 'There's an incentive issue; sometimes we waste our time waiting for customers to pick up calls, ruining our chances of earning more,' Himanshu explained. He also spoke about the physical strain delivery workers face, particularly when customers deny them access to service lifts, forcing them to climb 10-14 floors. Himanshu's experiences echo the concerns raised by the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU), which observed a nationwide strike on Christmas Day, highlighting the need for better working conditions and social security for gig workers. The strike caused significant service disruptions in parts of Gurugram, while Delhi and Noida saw limited impact. According to Himanshu, per-delivery earnings have been declining, with nearby orders now paying ₹12-13, down from ₹17. For 5 km orders, the payment has dropped to ₹60, from ₹70-80. This decline, combined with the pressure of 10-minute deliveries, has led to accidents and mental duress among riders. 'Companies claim we can earn ₹60,000 a month, but that's only possible if we do 50-60 deliveries every single day,' Himanshu said, highlighting the lack of benefits and social security for delivery partners. Chadha assured Himanshu that he had raised these concerns in Parliament, including the issue of 10-minute deliveries, and would continue to fight for better working conditions for gig workers.
