Centre Asks Delivery Firms to Drop Mandatory 10-Minute Deadline Amid Gig Worker Safety Concerns

New Delhi : Amid growing concerns over the safety and working conditions of gig workers, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has directed major quick-commerce and food delivery platforms—including Blinkit, Swiggy, Zepto and Zomato—to remove the mandatory 10-minute delivery deadline, sources said on Tuesday.

The directive came during a high-level meeting convened by the Labour Ministry to address complaints related to delivery time pressures, unsafe working conditions, and lack of social security for gig workers. Representatives from leading delivery platforms participated in the discussions, which focused on balancing consumer convenience with worker safety.

According to sources, Blinkit has already complied with the government’s directive by discontinuing its 10-minute delivery promise. The company has also removed references to the ultra-fast delivery guarantee from its branding and promotional material. Other platforms are expected to follow suit in the coming days.

The move is aimed at reducing delivery-related stress and road safety risks faced by gig workers, who often rush to meet tight deadlines, increasing the likelihood of traffic violations and accidents. Labour officials believe that eliminating rigid delivery timelines will help create safer and more humane working conditions.

The issue gained national attention following a nationwide strike by delivery workers in late December. Gig workers across multiple platforms had protested against excessive delivery pressure, low pay, absence of insurance coverage, and lack of social security benefits. The strike prompted renewed scrutiny of the fast-delivery business model and its impact on workers.

While Blinkit will continue to offer quick delivery services, the company is expected to move away from fixed-time commitments, particularly the 10-minute benchmark. Industry experts say this shift signals a recalibration of business strategies that prioritize sustainability and worker welfare over aggressive speed-based marketing.

The safety concerns surrounding gig workers were also highlighted by Aam Aadmi Party MP Raghav Chadha, who recently worked as a Blinkit delivery partner for a day. Through the exercise, Chadha sought to draw public attention to the physical strain, time pressure, and risks faced by delivery workers while navigating traffic to meet strict deadlines.

Labour rights activists have welcomed the government’s intervention, calling it a “much-needed step” toward regulating the gig economy. However, they have also urged the Centre to introduce comprehensive legislation to ensure minimum wages, accident insurance, health benefits, and grievance redressal mechanisms for gig workers.

The Labour Ministry has indicated that discussions with platform companies will continue, with a broader focus on long-term reforms to improve gig worker welfare. Officials said ensuring safety, dignity, and fair working conditions for millions of gig workers remains a key priority for the government.