Policymakers and Platforms Unite to Strengthen Gig Worker Wellbeing
Zomato and Blinkit, part of Eternal Limited, hosted the third edition of the Powering Inclusive Growth: Role of Platforms Conference in collaboration with Startup India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). The conference brought together policymakers, technology platforms, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and innovators to discuss actionable pathways to improve the wellbeing, inclusion, and financial security of India’s growing platform workforce.
The conference was graced by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Hon’ble Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, as Chief Guest. Other key dignitaries included Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, and Shri Randip Singh Jagpal, Whole Time Member (Law), Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority.
Government Calls for Stronger Social Security and Platform Accountability
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the transformative impact of platform-based work in creating livelihood opportunities across India. He emphasised the need to strengthen worker protections and social security coverage.
“It is encouraging to see industry leaders, innovators and platforms come together to advance delivery worker wellbeing. Platform-based work has opened new avenues of opportunity for millions across the country. The responsibility now is to ensure that this growth is accompanied by robust safeguards and access to social security,” he said, encouraging platforms to register workers under the government’s E-Shram initiative.
Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda also stressed the importance of accessibility and inclusive hiring, particularly for persons with disabilities, and acknowledged Zomato and Blinkit’s efforts to improve onboarding and workforce inclusion.
Zomato and Blinkit Reinforce Commitment to Delivery Partner Wellbeing
Aditya Mangla, CEO of Zomato, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to building long-term financial and social security for delivery partners. He said delivery workers are the backbone of the platform economy and emphasised the need to strengthen healthcare access, financial inclusion, and career opportunities.
Anjalli Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer at Eternal, added that each edition of the conference has driven more action-focused dialogue, particularly around healthcare access, safety, and financial inclusion for delivery partners.
Zomato and Blinkit have introduced several welfare initiatives, including medical insurance of up to ₹1 lakh, accidental insurance of up to ₹10 lakh, maternity benefits, and access to pension programs through the National Pension Scheme. Blinkit’s Doctor@Store program has already delivered nearly 1 lakh free medical consultations for delivery partners and staff since its launch in January 2026.
White Paper Highlights Opportunity to Increase Women’s Workforce Participation
A key highlight of the conference was the release of a white paper on Enhancing Women’s Participation in Urban Last-Mile Logistics. Developed in collaboration with Nikore Associates, Udaiti Foundation, and CII’s Centre for Women’s Leadership, the report highlighted the logistics sector’s potential to significantly increase women’s workforce participation, aligning with India’s long-term economic goals under the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
The report emphasised that expanding women’s participation in last-mile logistics could contribute to achieving India’s target of 70 percent workforce participation.
Startups Showcase Innovations to Improve Gig Worker Welfare
The conference also featured two Platform Worker Wellbeing Challenges, inviting startups to present solutions focused on health, safety, financial inclusion, and access to welfare schemes. Out of 47 applications, 12 startups were shortlisted to present their innovations to a jury comprising industry leaders, international organisations, and delivery partner representatives.
These innovations focused on improving worker safety, expanding financial literacy, providing affordable credit access, and enhancing pension and insurance coverage for gig workers.
Gig Economy Becomes Central to India’s Digital Growth Story
As India’s platform economy continues to expand, conferences like Powering Inclusive Growth reflect growing collaboration between policymakers, technology platforms, and ecosystem stakeholders. With millions of delivery partners powering India’s digital economy, the focus is now shifting toward building sustainable, inclusive systems that ensure long-term wellbeing, financial stability, and equitable growth for gig workers.
Through initiatives like this, Zomato and Blinkit aim to strengthen the foundation of India’s platform economy while ensuring that growth is inclusive, responsible, and aligned with national development priorities.
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