QUICK COMMERCE PLATFORMS TO STOP 10- MINUTE DELIVERY

NEWS: Leading quick commerce platforms have decided to remove the 10- minute delivery promise from their apps

Quick Commerce (Qcommerce)

• Quick commerce refers to ultra-fast delivery of goods (usually groceries, essentials) within 10–20 minutes, using:
• Local dark stores/warehouses
• App-based gig workers (delivery partners)
• Algorithm-driven delivery timelines
• Major players: Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy, Zomato

Why Did Gig Workers Protest?

Because it led to:

• Health & Safety Issues: Rash driving to meet unrealistic deadlines
• Unsafe Working Conditions: Pressure from algorithms and incentives

Role of the Government

• The Union Labour Minister raised the issue in meetings with aggregators.
• Government emphasized on workers’ health, safety, and welfare
• Responsible branding and business practices
• Ministry clarified that: 10-minute delivery was possible through warehouse proximity, not worker pressure

Actions Taken by Platforms:

• Blinkit removed the “10-minute delivery” tagline
• This signals a shift from speed-centric branding to worker-sensitive practices

Important for Gig Workers

• Considered “a win for gig and platform workers”
• Acknowledges that gig work is not just flexible, but also vulnerable and workers need regulation, safety norms, and dignity

Significance

• Highlights the regulatory gap in platform-based work
• Reinforces need to implement: Social Security Code, 2020