As protests by gig workers intensify across the country, Eternal founder and CEO Deepinder Goyal has stepped in to defend the delivery-based work model, saying it offers flexibility, rising earnings, and welfare support rather than pressure and exploitation. Eternal operates food delivery platform Zomato and quick-commerce service Blinkit.
Goyal’s remarks come amid growing demands from gig workers’ unions for higher payouts, safer working conditions, and an end to ultra-fast delivery targets. Addressing these concerns in a social media post, Goyal said delivery partners are not forced into rigid schedules and can choose when and how long they want to work.
According to him, the company significantly increased welfare spending in recent years. He said Zomato and Blinkit together spent over ₹100 crore on insurance coverage for delivery partners in 2025. Goyal also pointed to a steady rise in earnings, claiming that the average hourly income of Zomato delivery partners rose from ₹92 in 2024 to ₹102 in 2025, marking a near 11 per cent increase.
Responding to criticism around 10-minute delivery promises, Goyal argued that such timelines do not translate into pressure on riders. He maintained that most partners work only a few hours on select days, making the platform suitable for those seeking supplementary income rather than full-time employment.
However, his comments sparked debate online, with several users arguing that quick delivery expectations encourage rash driving and traffic violations. Worker groups have echoed these concerns. The Gig & Platform Services Workers’ Union (GIPSWU) recently wrote to Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, urging the government to scrap 10–20 minute delivery mandates to protect rider safety.
Goyal also cautioned against heavy regulation of the gig economy, stating that excessive rules could hurt flexibility and reduce opportunities. He argued that demanding full-time benefits like provident fund and guaranteed salaries does not align with the gig model, where most workers choose short, flexible work stints.
The debate comes at a time when the government is rolling out labour reforms. With all four labour codes notified in November, draft rules under the Social Security Code propose a minimum 90-day work requirement for gig workers to qualify for social security benefits. India currently has over 12 million gig workers, a number expected to nearly double by the end of the decade, according to NITI Aayog.
