A Viral Struggle Meets Political Action
During the Winter Session of Parliament, Raghav Chadha had flagged the “inhumane” working hours and lack of social security for millions of platform-based workers. To understand the struggle better, he invited Himanshu—the rider behind the viral “₹763 earnings” photo—to share his story over lunch.
“I saw your news showing 28 deliveries for ₹763 in 18 hours. I specifically raised the 10-minute delivery issue in Parliament and said it should be stopped,” Chadha told the rider during their interaction.
The ‘10-Minute’ Myth and Constant Pressure
Himanshu explained that the much-touted 10-minute delivery promise is a double-edged sword that often penalizes the rider.
- The Timer Trap: While the app might not show a running timer to the rider, customers constantly call and berate them. “They ask, ‘Why are you late? Traffic is there for you, but other riders arrive,’” Himanshu shared.
- Incentive Loss: Riders often lose their daily incentives if a customer fails to pick up a call for 30 minutes, wasting the rider’s time and ruining their delivery streak.
Social Stigma: “We Climb 14 Floors”
The conversation highlighted the shocking lack of basic dignity afforded to delivery partners in urban high-rises.
- Lift Bans: Himanshu revealed that many residential societies prohibit delivery workers from using regular lifts. If the service lift is non-functional, riders are forced to climb 10–14 floors manually to deliver a single order.
- Safety Concerns: Beyond physical exhaustion, Himanshu spoke of the mental toll, citing accidents on slippery basement ramps and the fear of late-night crimes, claiming companies offer little to no support during such incidents.
The Economics of Decline
The rider pointed out a steady drop in per-delivery payments over the last year:
- Short-distance orders: Dropped from ₹17 to ₹12–13.
- Long-distance (5km): Dropped from ₹80 to ₹60.
- The ₹60,000 Claim: Himanshu debunked company marketing, stating that such high earnings are only possible if a rider completes 50–60 deliveries every single day without a single day off.
Context: The Christmas Day Strike
This meeting coincides with growing unrest in the sector. On December 25, 2025, the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) organized a nationwide strike.
- Gurugram Impact: Significant disruptions were seen at major hubs like Rodeo Drive (Sector 47) and Baani Square (Sector 50).
- Demands: Workers are demanding a fixed base pay per kilometer, mandatory insurance, and an end to the “10-minute” pressure model.