MP Raghav Chadha hosts delivery rider for lunch at his place, hears his concerns

December 27, 2025

Chandigarh: A recent video featuring a Blinkit delivery partner sharing his experience of earning just ₹763 after completing 28 deliveries over nearly 15 hours triggered widespread discussion on the working conditions of gig workers in India.

Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha, who had raised concerns during the Winter Session of Parliament about low pay, long working hours, and the absence of social security for gig and platform workers, took note of the delivery partner’s ordeal. He publicly expressed support and reiterated the need for urgent reforms to protect gig workers’ rights and dignity.

Watch the Video here

I invited Himanshu, a Blinkit delivery boy, over for lunch.
Through his social media post, he had recently shared the harsh realities and miseries faced by riders/delivery boys.
We spoke at length about the high risks, long hours, low pay, and no safety net.

These voices deserve… pic.twitter.com/pTiDOLtr3m

— Raghav Chadha (@raghav_chadha) December 27, 2025

The issue has also gained urgency as gig workers across several cities have recently resorted to strikes and protests. They went on a mass strike on 25th December, 2025 and announced a second strike scheduled for New Year’s Eve, 31st December 2025. The strike, called by the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFATW), coincided with peak year-end demand, traditionally one of the busiest periods for food and grocery deliveries. Delivery partners have repeatedly highlighted concerns around opaque algorithm-based targets, arbitrary penalties, sudden payout changes, and the lack of an effective grievance redressal mechanism—bringing the challenges of India’s rapidly growing gig economy into sharp focus.

Following the conclusion of Parliament’s winter session, Mr. Chadha invited the delivery partner to his residence for lunch, earlier in the week. The interaction was informal and warm, allowing for an open conversation. Over lunch, the delivery partner shared his lived experiences—long hours, uncertain earnings, algorithm-driven targets, and the lack of basic safeguards or grievance redressal mechanisms.

The delivery partner appeared happy to be heard and appreciated the gesture, describing the interaction as reassuring and respectful. Mr. Chadha, in turn, reaffirmed his commitment to raising these issues at the policy level, stressing that India’s gig economy cannot thrive at the cost of workers’ well-being.

The interaction highlighted a simple but powerful message: meaningful policy change begins by listening to those most affected