Zomato Launches 'The Shelter Project' to Build Rest Points for Gig Workers

Updated on: 17 February 2023 5:42 pm

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Zomato, the food delivery company, has launched a new initiative to support gig economy and delivery workers, with the creation of Rest Points where they can rest and recharge in between jobs. The Rest Points will provide clean drinking water, phone-charging stations, washrooms, high-speed internet, a 24/7 helpdesk and first-aid support.

Zomato currently has two operational Rest Points in Gurugram and plans to build more in the densest clusters of the food delivery business. The initiative, called 'The Shelter Project', is designed to promote the physical and mental well-being of delivery partners. Zomato's chief executive officer (CEO), Deepinder Goyal, announced the initiative on Twitter.

Announcing 'The Shelter Project' – we've started building public infrastructure (Rest Points) to support the well being of delivery partners of various companies.

Read more – https://t.co/zPZirhZtlC pic.twitter.com/2QwX3V6QWO

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— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) February 16, 2023

The launch of The Shelter Project comes at a time when gig workers in India have faced criticism for poor working conditions. A report by research firm Fairwork India in December 2022 assessed digital platforms on five principles: pay, conditions, contracts, management, and representation.

Platforms like Uber, Ola, Dunzo and others were alleged to provide the poorest conditions for gig workers in India. However, Urban Company, Tata Group-owned BigBasket, e-commerce marketplace Flipkart, and food-delivery platform Swiggy received higher marks.

Zomato's Rest Points initiative is a positive development for the welfare of gig workers, providing a safe and comfortable space for them to rest and recharge in between jobs. As the gig economy continues to grow, initiatives such as these will be important in promoting the physical and mental well-being of gig workers.