Raghav Chadha Hosts Viral Blinkit Delivery Boy for Lunch, Highlights Gig Workers’ Struggles

In the wake of widespread attention on the working conditions of gig economy workers, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha invited Himanshu Thapliyal, a Blinkit delivery partner, to his home in Delhi to discuss the challenges faced by gig workers in India.

Himanshu Becomes Public Face of Gig Worker Struggles

Himanshu gained notoriety after posting 15-minute videos documenting his grueling 15-hour workdays completing 28 deliveries for a gross take-home of just ₹763. His videos highlighted virtually no pay, unlimited work hours, and a lack of safety nets, sparking public outrage across social media platforms.

Harsh Realities of Delivery Work

During the meeting, Himanshu detailed the hardships of his job, including climbing 10–14 floors for deliveries, losing incentive pay for minor delays, and the constant risk of accidents due to rushing to meet tight deadlines. He also discussed declining order incentives, noting that short trips now yield only ₹12–17 per delivery, undermining the feasibility of the 10-minute delivery model.

Chadha Raises Gig Worker Issues in Parliament

Raghav Chadha, who recently highlighted these issues during the Winter Session of Parliament, shared a video of the discussion on X, stating:
“I invited Himanshu… We discussed at length the high risks, the long hours, the low pay, and no safety net. This is the sort of thing Parliament should have to hear and should hear… These voices need to be heard in Parliament and in the outside world as well.”

Worker Response and Broader Implications

Himanshu described the meeting as “unpredictable” and thanked Chadha for taking the time to listen to his concerns. His story comes amidst ongoing strikes and protests by gig workers demanding fair pay, algorithmic equity, and access to social security.

Gig Economy Debate Continues

This episode underscores the growing debate around India’s gig economy, highlighting the tension between consumer convenience and worker exploitation. Experts and activists continue to call for regulatory reforms to ensure fair compensation, safety, and welfare for gig workers nationwide.