‘No More 10-Minute Delivery': Govt Asks Quick-Comm Firms to Drop Fast Delivery Claims to Protect Gig Workers

The government has stepped in to address the concerns that have been arising over gig worker safety and working conditions. Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya urged quick-commerce platforms to stop promoting 10-minute delivery services.

According to sources, Mandaviya has held multiple meetings over the past month with major quick-commerce and food delivery companies, including Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato, and Swiggy, to discuss the impact of ultra-fast delivery on gig workers.

Why the Government Is Cracking Down on 10-Minute Delivery

Sources cited by CNBCTV18 said the Labour Minister raised concerns that a 10-minute delivery system gives rise to unsafe driving delivery agents, risk of accidents and pressure on delivery partners. The government's focus is on protecting gig worker rights and ensuring humane working conditions for app-based delivery workers.

After these discussions, several platforms have agreed to remove 10-minute delivery branding and marketing from their apps and promotional campaigns.

Blinkit Drops 10-Minute Delivery Claim

Quick-commerce firm Blinkit has already stopped using the "10-minute delivery" claim across all its brand platforms, sources confirmed. Other delivery aggregators are expected to follow the same. Major platforms have reportedly assured the government that delivery timelines will be revised to reduce stress on delivery workers and align operations with safety norms.

Gig Workers' Protests Sparked Government Action

The government's intervention in this matter came after the nationwide gig worker protests held on December 31, 2025. Over 200,000 app-based delivery drivers participated in the strikes across major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and other urban centres.

The protests were led by unions such as the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), with workers demanding to stop the unsafe rapid-delivery promises, better pay, and social security benefits.

During the protests, gig workers raised several key demands, including:

• Minimum monthly income of Rs. 22,000 to Rs. 37,000
• Health insurance, accident coverage, and pension benefits
• Ban on rapid-delivery marketing that increases traffic hazards
• Removal of penalties for delivery delays or order rejections
• Transparency in delivery algorithms
• Stronger labour protections beyond e-SHRAM registration
• Minimum wages and collective bargaining rights

Worker groups say that the unrealistic delivery timelines force riders to take risks on the road, especially during peak demand periods. The government is now looking for ways to improve social security coverage and fair compensation for the workers. Additionally, the platforms should be accountable for worker safety.

Mandaviya has reportedly made it clear that speed cannot come at the cost of human lives, and that companies must understand that.