Amid growing debate around gig worker rights and platform accountability, Zomato CEO has defended the company’s gig work model, highlighting a 10.9% average pay raise for delivery partners along with the flexibility the platform offers. The comments come as policymakers, labour groups, and courts increasingly scrutinise how gig platforms balance worker welfare with business sustainability.
The statement seeks to counter criticism that gig work lacks income security and fair compensation.
Zomato CEO’s Defence of the Gig Model
Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Zomato, said the gig model continues to work for a large number of delivery partners who value flexibility and earning potential. He emphasised that delivery partner earnings increased by 10.9% on average, reflecting higher payouts, incentives, and improved order density.
According to the CEO, the platform’s model is designed to offer choice rather than enforce rigid employment structures.
10.9% Pay Raise: What It Reflects
The 10.9% pay raise highlighted by Zomato’s CEO includes a combination of higher per-order payouts, peak-hour incentives, and efficiency gains from better routing and demand forecasting. Zomato argues that as order volumes rise and logistics improve, delivery partners benefit directly through higher take-home pay.
The company maintains that earnings growth demonstrates its commitment to improving partner economics.
Job Flexibility as a Core Advantage
A central pillar of the CEO’s defence is flexibility. Zomato says many delivery partners prefer the ability to choose working hours, locations, and workloads, something traditional employment models often do not offer.
For students, part-time workers, and those seeking supplemental income, this flexibility is positioned as a key benefit of gig work.
Ongoing Criticism of Gig Platforms
Despite the pay raise claim, gig platforms continue to face criticism over lack of social security, insurance coverage, and long-term income stability. Worker groups argue that flexibility should not come at the cost of basic protections.
The debate has intensified as governments explore new rules around minimum work thresholds, welfare contributions, and platform accountability.
Zomato’s Broader Position on Worker Welfare
Zomato has previously introduced measures such as accident insurance and emergency support funds for delivery partners. The company argues that incremental improvements, rather than rigid employment reclassification, are a more practical way to support gig workers at scale.
The CEO reiterated that forcing a one-size-fits-all employment model could reduce opportunities and platform participation.
Industry-Wide Implications
The defence of the gig model by Zomato’s leadership reflects a broader stance taken by platform companies across food delivery, ride-hailing, and logistics. As regulation tightens, companies are increasingly highlighting earnings data and flexibility to justify their operating models.
How regulators respond will shape the future of platform work in India.
What Lies Ahead
As discussions around gig worker rights continue, platforms like Zomato are likely to face greater pressure to demonstrate measurable improvements in earnings and welfare. Policymakers are expected to weigh flexibility against the need for minimum protections.
The coming months could bring clearer guidelines on how gig work is structured and regulated.
Conclusion
The statement where Zomato CEO defends the gig model while highlighting a 10.9% pay raise and job flexibility underscores the ongoing tension between platform-led innovation and labour protection. While higher earnings and flexibility appeal to many workers, concerns around security and stability remain unresolved.
How companies, workers, and regulators find common ground will determine the long-term sustainability of India’s gig economy.
