Ever wondered about the real grind behind those quick deliveries to your doorstep? We tap, we order, and minutes later, our food or groceries arrive. But what’s the true cost for the individuals making that happen?
Our colleague, Soumyarendra Barik from The Indian Express, decided to step into the shoes of a delivery worker for a day each, immersing himself in the demanding world of Zomato, Blinkit, and Swiggy. His mission? To experience firsthand the daily realities faced by countless delivery partners powering India’s convenience economy.
The findings from his demanding experiment paint a stark picture. Across his three days dedicated to making deliveries, Soumyarendra completed a total of 23 deliveries. For his relentless effort, navigating traffic, weather, and deadlines, his total earnings amounted to just Rs 782. When broken down, that translates to a sobering average of Rs 34 per hour.
This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a window into the punishing hours, the physical demands, and the often precarious earnings that define the lives of many in the gig economy. The very convenience we cherish comes at a significant human cost, with long shifts yielding compensation that often struggles to meet basic needs.
Soumyarendra’s journey serves as a powerful reminder. While these platforms have revolutionized our lives, it’s essential to acknowledge the strenuous work and the often insufficient pay that form the backbone of this rapidly expanding sector. His experience urges us to reflect on the systems that deliver our modern comforts and the dedicated individuals who make them possible, often at a substantial personal cost.
Source: Original Article
