Zomato, one of India’s leading food‑delivery platforms, has come under scrutiny after its co‑founder Deepinder Goyal disclosed that the company terminates roughly 5,000 delivery partners every month. The revelation, reported by The Economic Times, has reignited discussions about the sustainability of gig‑economy employment models and the responsibilities of platform‑based firms toward their workforce.
Scale of the Turnover
According to Goyal, the high turnover rate is a by‑product of the company’s performance‑driven onboarding and evaluation system. Delivery partners who fail to meet predefined speed, acceptance, and customer‑rating metrics are removed from the platform. Goyal emphasized that the figure represents a “necessary churn” to maintain service quality across the nation’s 30‑plus metropolitan markets.
Impact on Workers and the Gig Economy
The disclosed numbers have raised concerns among labor rights groups, who argue that such large‑scale dismissals reflect an unstable employment environment. Critics point out that gig workers lack the safety nets typical of conventional employment, such as severance pay, health benefits, and job security. In response, Zomato has highlighted its support programs, including skill‑upgrade workshops, financial literacy sessions, and a “partner‑first” grievance redressal portal.
Zomato’s Defense and Future Plans
Goyal defended the policy by stating that the company continuously refines its algorithmic assessment tools to ensure fairness. He also noted that the platform is investing in AI‑driven route optimization and predictive demand forecasting, which could reduce the need for frequent dismissals over time. Additionally, Zomato plans to expand its “Zomato Partner Academy,” aiming to equip delivery workers with better navigation skills, customer service training, and basic financial management.
- Approximately 5,000 delivery partners are terminated monthly across India.
- Termination is based on performance metrics such as delivery speed, order acceptance rate, and customer feedback.
- Zomato offers training and grievance mechanisms but does not provide traditional employment benefits.
- Labor groups demand greater regulatory oversight and protective measures for gig workers.
- The company pledges to improve algorithmic fairness and expand skill‑development initiatives.
While Zomato insists that its policies are essential for maintaining a high‑quality service, the conversation around gig‑worker rights is unlikely to subside. Stakeholders—including policymakers, consumer advocates, and the delivery partners themselves—will continue to watch how the platform balances operational efficiency with ethical employment practices.
