Comedian Kunal Kamra, known for his outspoken commentary, has turned his focus to the booming quick commerce sector in India. On New Year’s Eve 2024, while Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa celebrated record-breaking orders, Kamra used the occasion to spotlight the plight of gig workers, accusing platforms like Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto of systemic exploitation.
Key Highlights
Quick Commerce: Convenience at a Cost
Quick commerce platforms have revolutionised grocery shopping in India, delivering essentials to customers in minutes. While this convenience has won praise, it has also raised concerns about the treatment of gig workers who make these services possible.
Kamra’s criticism sheds light on the challenges faced by these workers, who are labelled as “delivery partners” rather than employees. This designation allows companies to avoid offering fair wages, benefits, and job security.
Kunal Kamra’s Sharp Critique
Kamra initiated his critique on X (formerly Twitter) in response to Dhindsa’s celebratory posts about Blinkit’s record orders on New Year’s Eve. Highlighting the disparity, Kamra tweeted:
“Can you also enlighten us with data on the average wages you paid your ‘Delivery Partners’ in 2024?”
Can you also enlighten us with data on the average wages you paid your “Delivery Partners” in 2024… https://t.co/v0yBlvobCQ
— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) December 31, 2024
His use of quotation marks around “delivery partners” pointed to the industry’s refusal to recognize gig workers as employees, depriving them of essential rights and benefits.
The Dark Side of Quick Commerce
In a follow-up post, Kamra elaborated on the exploitative practices of quick commerce platforms:
“Platform owners exploit gig workers & they aren’t job creators. They are landlords without owning any land. They offer freedom that gig workers can’t afford while giving them wages that can’t meet their aspirations.”
Kamra likened these CEOs to “thugs,” accusing them of profiting from gig workers’ hard work without equitable compensation or legal accountability.
Public Support for Kamra’s Criticism
Kamra’s tweets quickly went viral, amassing over 500,000 views within hours. Many users on X supported his stance, echoing concerns about the exploitation of gig workers.
One user commented:
“Blinkit, Zepto, Zomato, Swiggy—all exploit delivery workers with unreasonable demands and insufficient pay. 10-minute delivery isn’t innovation; it’s exploitation.”
Another highlighted the financial struggles of gig workers:
“Studies show that over 50% of gig workers earn below minimum wage after expenses, while platforms rake in billions in valuation.”
Call for Regulatory Reforms
Kamra’s criticism underscores the urgent need for regulations in the gig economy. With no laws in place to protect gig workers, companies continue to profit at the expense of their workforce.
Kamra concluded his critique with a hopeful note:
While we enjoy the convenience of quick commerce I’d like my first tweet of 2025 to be about the dark side.
— Kunal Kamra (@kunalkamra88) December 31, 2024
Platform owners exploit gig workers & they aren’t job creators.
They are landlords without owning any land.
They don’t have a bone of creativity or innovation all…
“Someday there will be regulation that humbles them…”
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