Zomato CEO salutes MP Tejasvi Surya's efforts on rest spots for delivery agents

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal reacted to a post by Tejasvi Suryva which highlighted the resting points a Bengaluru mall had created for delivery agents.

In Short

• Bengaluru MP highlighted initiatives taken by the city's malls for delivery workers
• Vega City Mall created a dedicated resting point equipped with several amenities in 2023
• Zomato CEO flagged concern over discriminatory practices at malls against delivery agents

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal reacted to a post by Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Suryva which highlighted the resting points, equipped with several amenities, a mall in the city has for delivery agents.

It all happened after the Zomato CEO flagged concerns over discriminatory practices at shopping malls against delivery partners. Surya stepped in to highlight an exception in his city. He proudly pointed out that Vega City Mall had set up a dedicated resting point for delivery partners in 2023.

In response to Goyal’s post on X, which had called out Gurugram’s Ambience Mall for barring delivery workers from entering, Surya showcased the progressive steps that the Bengaluru mall had taken towards improving the working conditions for gig workers.

“Hello Deepinder, in Bengaluru South, we've taken few key measures to better the working conditions of delivery executives. When we set up a resting point for delivery partners at the Vega City Mall in June 2023, we ensured that they have convenient access to the mall and are able to enjoy a break during the wait for the order,” Surya tweeted.

He further highlighted that the mall has a comfortable resting point equipped with essential amenities such as clean restrooms, drinking water, and first-aid.

“With essential amenities such as first-aid, drinking water, and clean restrooms, the point provides a place for all delivery partners to rest, rejuvenate, and recharge. We were the first to do this in Bengaluru South, understanding the daily struggles that delivery partners go through,” Surya added.

He also highlighted the special provisions that are being made for differently-abled delivery partners, specifically outside his Jayanagar office.

“Also happy to inform you that under the MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme), we set up the first resting point for wheelchair delivery partners outside the MP office in Jayanagar. Here, we welcome delivery partners and provide them with drinking water, restrooms & mobile charging points.”

Surya concluded his message with optimism as he said that he looks forward to making Bengaluru South a model region for smart and empathetic workspaces.

Take a look at his post here:

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal, who recently turned into a delivery agent for a day to personally experience the struggles delivery executives face, was quick to respond.

“Thank you so much, Tejasvi,” he said in a comment to Surya’s post.

The concerns flagged by Deepinder Goyal have triggered a broader discussion about the treatment of delivery partners in such public spaces while they are on duty.