Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raghav Chadha launched a sharp critique in the Rajya Sabha on Friday, December 5, 2025, targeting the pervasive culture of instant gratification fueled by quick commerce platforms. He demanded an immediate end to the 10-minute delivery services, labeling the practice as a form of cruelty towards the delivery personnel who form the backbone of this system.
The Human Cost of Instant Gratification
Speaking during the Zero Hour, Chadha passionately argued that the relentless pressure to deliver goods within minutes dehumanizes workers. He reminded the House that these are not automated robots but individuals with families and lives. "I want to tell you that these people are not robots. They are also someone's father, husband, brother, or son. The House should think about them," Chadha stated, urging for legislative attention to their welfare.
He described the vast army of delivery executives working for platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, and drivers for Ola and Uber as the "invisible wheels of the Indian economy." Chadha pointed out the stark contrast between the billion-dollar valuations these companies achieve and the precarious existence of the workers who make their operations possible.
Three Critical Challenges Faced by Gig Workers
Chadha outlined three primary areas of exploitation faced by delivery and gig workers across the country. The first and most highlighted was the immense pressure of speed and delivery time. He explained how the 10-minute delivery model forces workers to overspeed, jump red lights, and risk their lives, driven by fear of punitive actions from the apps.
"A delivery boy standing at a red light keeps thinking that if he is late, the rating will fall, the incentive will be cut, the app will log out, and the ID will be blocked. That's why he over-speeds," Chadha detailed, painting a vivid picture of the constant anxiety.
The second challenge is customer harassment. Workers face verbal abuse, threats, and damaging one-star ratings for delays as short as five to seven minutes, which can severely impact their monthly earnings and job security. Thirdly, he highlighted the hazardous working conditions, with personnel working 12 to 14 hours daily in all weather without protective gear, hazard pay, or adequate insurance cover.
A Call for Recognition and Reform
Chadha emphasized that unlike traditional factory workers, gig economy workers lack any semblance of job security, humane working conditions, or proper health and accident insurance. Despite this, they perform their duties with a smile, often ending deliveries with a request for a five-star rating.
His speech served as a powerful call to acknowledge the human effort behind every app notification. He urged the government and society to recognize the contributions of these invisible wheels and implement frameworks that ensure their safety, dignity, and fair working conditions, starting with abolishing the unrealistic 10-minute delivery promise.
The AAP leader's intervention in the Upper House has brought renewed parliamentary focus on the need for regulatory measures in India's rapidly expanding but largely unregulated gig economy.
