India’s quick-commerce landscape witnessed a landmark shift this week as the government moved to protect its “silent workforce.” On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha expressed his heartfelt appreciation toward the Central Government. He specifically thanked the Union Labour Ministry for its decisive intervention in scrapping the 10-minute delivery model branding from major platforms. Consequently, Chadha hailed the move as a triumph of “human life over corporate speed.”
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Satyamev Jayate: A Victory for Gig Workers
The announcement came after a high-level meeting between Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and the executives of major quick-commerce firms. Following the discussion, platforms like Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato, and Swiggy agreed to remove the rigid “10-minute” promise from their marketing. Reacting to the development on X (formerly Twitter), Chadha wrote, “Satyamev Jayate. Together, we have won.”
He further expressed that he was “deeply grateful to the Central Government” for its timely and compassionate intervention. For months, Chadha had been a vocal critic of the ultra-fast delivery model. He argued that scrapping the 10-minute delivery model was essential because the pressure on riders was “real, constant, and dangerous.” By removing the countdown timers and flashy branding, the government has directly addressed the root cause of reckless driving and worker stress.
First-Hand Experience: Chadha’s Day as a Delivery Rider
Raghav Chadha’s campaign against the 10-minute mandate was not just limited to Parliamentary debates. To understand the “exploitative realities” of the sector, the MP recently spent a day working as a delivery partner.
- The Reality Check: Dressed in a Blinkit uniform, Chadha completed deliveries to experience the pressure of the 10-minute timer firsthand.
- Systemic Exploitation: He shared a viral screenshot showing a rider earning only ₹762 after 15 hours of grueling work.
- Public Support: His “undercover” stint drew massive public attention to the mental and physical toll on gig workers.
He noted that when a timer runs on a customer’s screen, the rider feels forced to skip signals and risk their life. Therefore, the decision to stop this branding is a “much-needed step” to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
A Shift Toward “Dignity Over Speed”
The scrapping the 10-minute delivery model marks a departure from hyper-competitive business tactics. Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that the safety of delivery partners must always come before speed. Following the government’s nudge, Blinkit has already updated its tagline. It changed from “Delivered in 10 minutes” to “30,000+ products delivered at your doorstep.”
This change signifies a more mature approach to the gig economy. While the actual delivery might still be fast due to local “dark stores,” the removal of the explicit time guarantee takes the psychological weight off the riders. Chadha emphasized that while he supports startups and industrialization, he cannot support the “cruelty” of unrealistic deadlines.
Conclusion: A Milestone for the Gig Economy
The government’s intervention represents a significant milestone in India’s labor history. By siding with the workers, the Centre has acknowledged that the gig economy needs stronger safeguards. For Raghav Chadha, the scrapping the 10-minute delivery model is the result of a collective effort by citizens and workers.
As the industry pivots toward a more sustainable “quick delivery” model, the focus shifts to social security and fair wages. Chadha assured gig workers that they are no longer alone in their struggle. This victory ensures that as India moves toward 2047, its economic growth does not come at the cost of human dignity.
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