AAP Leader Raghav Chadha Applauds Centre's Decision to End 10-Minute Deliveries
Rajya Sabha MP and Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha warmly welcomed the central government's action on Tuesday. The government moved to stop 10-minute deliveries, a step Chadha described as a significant victory for gig workers. These workers have long protested against difficult work conditions and unfair pay.
Chadha's Social Media Statement Highlights Safety Concerns
Chadha expressed his views on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. He emphasized that this decision will help ensure the safety of delivery riders and all road users. "Satyamev Jayate. Together, we have won," Chadha wrote in his post. He thanked the Central Government for its timely and compassionate intervention. The move enforces the removal of "10-minute delivery" branding from quick-commerce platforms.
Consistent Advocacy for Gig Workers
Chadha has consistently shown strong support for gig workers. He backs their demands for fair wages, better working conditions, and social security. Just on Monday, he shared a video where he wore a Blinkit uniform. In the video, he accompanied a delivery rider to complete an order, experiencing the job firsthand.
This appearance followed his recent criticism of what he called the "exploitative realities" of gig work. To show solidarity, Chadha also spent New Year's Eve with gig workers. Many of these workers participated in a nationwide strike.
In his latest post, Chadha outlined the dangers of quick deliveries. "This is a much needed step because when '10 minutes' is printed on a rider’s tshirt, jacket, or bag and a timer runs on the customer’s screen, the pressure is real, constant, and dangerous," he noted. He explained how e-commerce companies' promises create unsafe conditions.
Exposing Poor Pay and Working Conditions
Chadha had previously highlighted that delivery partners are poorly paid. Last month, he shared a screenshot on social media. It appeared to show a Blinkit delivery partner earning only ₹762.57 after completing 28 deliveries over nearly 15 hours.
"Over the past months, I have spoken to hundreds of delivery partners. Many are overworked, underpaid and risking their life to fulfil an unrealistic promise," Chadha noted in his post. His message, which has gone viral, assured gig workers: "And to every gig worker - you’re not alone, we’re all with you."
Government Intervention Forces Quick Commerce Changes
The central government has reportedly directed Indian quick commerce companies to address delivery timeline concerns. ANI reported this on Tuesday, 13 January, with a focus on ending 10-minute deliveries.
This government intervention forced companies like Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato, and Swiggy to rethink their strategies. The change followed a meeting between Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and major quick commerce platforms. Companies were directed to remove the 10-minute delivery mandate.
According to agency reports citing informed sources, Blinkit has already acted on the directive. It removed the promise of 10-minute delivery from its branding. Other quick commerce platforms are expected to follow suit in the coming days, marking a shift in industry practices.
