New Delhi, Feb 27: Zomato and Blinkit, companies of the Eternal Group, in collaboration with Startup India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), hosted the third edition of the “Powering Inclusive Growth: Role of Platforms” conference in New Delhi.
The conference brought together senior policymakers, leading platform companies, civil society organisations, academic institutions, and innovation experts to deliberate on actionable recommendations for improving the welfare of the platform-based workforce.
The event was graced by the Hon’ble Minister of Labour & Employment and Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, who delivered the keynote address. Distinguished guests included Dr. Shamika Ravi, Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister; Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda, Additional Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; and Mr. Randeep Singh Jagpal, Whole-Time Member (Law), Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya said it was encouraging to see industry leaders, innovators, and platform companies coming together to strengthen welfare mechanisms for delivery partners. He emphasised that while platform-based work has opened opportunities for millions, it is equally important to ensure robust safeguards and access to social security. He urged platform companies to register themselves and their workers on the e-Shram portal and actively invest in worker welfare.
Dr. Shamika Ravi highlighted how India’s digital public infrastructure has transformed employment generation and income opportunities. She stressed the importance of strengthening financial systems to support gig workers with savings instruments and long-term economic security.
Ms. Manmeet Kaur Nanda underscored that true inclusion must be rooted in economic empowerment and accessibility. She encouraged corporates to commit to meaningful employment targets for persons with disabilities and praised Zomato and Blinkit for adopting accessible interfaces and inclusive hiring practices.
Mr. Randeep Singh Jagpal spoke about the importance of balanced policy frameworks to ensure that emerging forms of work do not weaken social security protections. He noted the growing participation of gig workers in pension schemes and emphasised shared responsibility in securing the workforce’s future.
The conference was inaugurated by Zomato CEO Aditya Mangla, while Anjali Ravi Kumar, Chief Sustainability Officer at Eternal, addressed the audience on the platform’s commitment to health, safety, and financial inclusion of delivery partners.
Two panel discussions were held:
1. Advancing Diversity, Safety and Inclusion in Platform Work
The panel explored strengthening safety measures, improving urban mobility conditions, expanding skill training, and deploying technology-based safety solutions.
2. Expanding Financial Inclusion and Access to Social Security Benefits
Discussions focused on technology-driven solutions to improve access to insurance, pensions, welfare schemes, affordable credit, and financial literacy.
A key highlight of the conference was the release of a white paper on increasing women’s participation in urban last-mile logistics. The report, prepared by Nikore Associates, Udayati Foundation, and CII’s Centre for Women’s Leadership, with contributions from Zomato and Blinkit, emphasised the sector’s potential in advancing India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision by raising women’s workforce participation to 70%.
The conference also featured two Platform Worker Wellbeing Challenges inviting startups to present innovative solutions in:
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Health, safety, and financial inclusion
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Financial inclusion and skill upgradation
Out of 47 applications received nationwide, six startups per category were shortlisted. Winners were awarded ₹10 lakh and runners-up ₹5 lakh.
In the Health & Safety category, Jago Motion won, with Sukoon as runner-up. In the Financial Inclusion & Skill Upgradation category, PensionBox won, with FataakPay as runner-up.
Zomato and Blinkit also highlighted several welfare initiatives for delivery partners, including:
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OPD coverage up to ₹5,000
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Medical insurance up to ₹1 lakh
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Accident insurance up to ₹10 lakh
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Maternity insurance and two days of paid period leave per month for women delivery partners
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Night-time order location visibility (7 PM–5 AM)
Under Blinkit’s Doctor-at-Store program, delivery partners, store staff, and their families can access free consultations and prescribed medicines at stores. Since its launch in January 2026, nearly 100,000 consultations have been recorded.
Financial services support includes fixed and recurring deposit options, income tax filing assistance, and access to the National Pension Scheme tailored for gig workers — all accessible through the delivery partner app.
The third edition of the conference reaffirmed the importance of collaborative dialogue between industry, policymakers, and civil society in shaping a more inclusive and secure gig economy in India.