Zomato, India's leading food delivery platform, has reported a significant increase in earnings for its fleet of delivery partners for the fiscal year 2025. The company's founder and CEO, Deepinder Goyal, has highlighted this positive trend while strongly advocating for the inherent flexibility of the gig economy model.
Substantial Growth in Partner Earnings
According to the latest data shared by the company, the average monthly earnings for Zomato's delivery partners witnessed a robust increase of 10.9% during the fiscal year 2025. This growth underscores the platform's ongoing efforts to enhance the financial well-being of its vast network of gig workers, who form the backbone of its operations. The rise in earnings is attributed to a combination of factors including improved order volumes, operational efficiencies, and strategic initiatives aimed at partner welfare.
Deepinder Goyal's Strong Defense of the Gig Model
In light of the positive data, Deepinder Goyal has publicly championed the gig work framework. He emphasized that the core advantage of this model lies in the unmatched flexibility it offers to millions of individuals across India. Goyal argued that the ability to choose when and where to work is a powerful feature, especially in a diverse economy where traditional 9-to-5 jobs may not suit everyone's circumstances.
"The gig model provides a vital source of income with the freedom to manage one's own schedule," Goyal stated, effectively batting for the preservation and growth of this employment structure. His comments come at a time when gig worker rights and benefits are being debated globally and within India.
Implications for India's Evolving Workforce
The reported earnings growth and the founder's staunch support signal a maturing phase for the gig economy in India's service sector. For a vast number of delivery partners, platforms like Zomato have become a primary source of livelihood. The increase in earnings is a positive development that could set a benchmark for the industry.
However, this growth also brings into focus the ongoing discussions around providing a more comprehensive social security net for gig workers without compromising the flexibility that defines their work. The balance between flexibility and security remains a key theme for policymakers and companies alike.
Zomato's transparent sharing of partner earnings data and Goyal's vocal stance are likely to influence the broader conversation about the future of work in the digital age, particularly within the country's booming food delivery and quick-commerce segments.
