**Zomato CEO Defends Gig Work Model Amid Criticism**
Deepinder Goyal, the Founder and CEO of Zomato, recently addressed concerns regarding the gig work model in a five-point statement shared on X. In his post, Goyal elaborated on how the gig model functions and clarified that the company’s 10-minute delivery promise does not exert undue pressure on delivery workers. He also explained why the demand for full-time employee benefits, such as provident fund contributions or guaranteed salaries for gig roles, is inconsistent with the model’s design.
**Understanding Earnings and Work Patterns**
Goyal highlighted that in 2025, the average earnings per hour (EPH) for Zomato delivery partners, excluding tips, was ₹102, up from ₹92 in 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of approximately 10.9%. He emphasized that delivery partners retain 100% of the tips they receive, with the average tip per hour being ₹2.6 in 2025 compared to ₹2.4 in 2024. Tips are transferred instantly without any deductions, although only about 5% of orders receive tips on Zomato.
**Flexibility Over Fixed Schedules**
Addressing concerns about overwork, Goyal stated that delivery partners are not subjected to fixed schedules. In 2025, the average delivery partner worked only 38 days a year, averaging seven hours per day. He noted that only 2.3% of partners worked more than 250 days in a year. Delivery partners have the autonomy to choose their working hours and areas, allowing them to adjust their work based on personal preferences.
Goyal explained that once a partner opts into a gig, the only expectation is their availability for that specific gig, making it a reliable source of secondary income that can be accessed year-round.
**Clarifying the 10-Minute Delivery Promise**
In response to concerns that the 10-minute delivery promise pressures workers to drive unsafely, Goyal clarified that delivery partners are not presented with customer-facing time promises or countdowns in the app. He stated that the quick delivery times are primarily due to the proximity of stores to customers rather than increased speeds on the road.
**Conclusion**
Deepinder Goyal’s statements aim to clarify misconceptions about the gig work model and reassure both delivery partners and customers about the operational practices at Zomato. As the gig economy continues to evolve, understanding the dynamics of such models is crucial for all stakeholders involved.
**FAQ**
**Q: How does Zomato ensure the safety of its delivery partners?**
A: Zomato does not impose time constraints on delivery partners, allowing them to work at their own pace and choose their routes, which helps maintain safety while delivering.