Zomato, a leading food delivery platform in India, has taken a significant step towards sustainable operations by joining the Deliver-E Coalition, a global alliance supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). This move aligns Zomato with other major players in the industry, including Delivery Hero, DoorDash, Swiggy, and Uber, who are founding members of this initiative aimed at advancing zero-emission delivery vehicles worldwide.

Coalition Objectives

The Deliver-E Coalition's primary goals include:

1. Sharing best practices among members
2. Developing solutions to accelerate the shift to sustainable delivery options
3. Promoting the use of electric vehicles, bicycles, and other eco-friendly alternatives

E-commerce Growth and Environmental Impact

The formation of this coalition comes at a crucial time, as highlighted by UNEP data:

Without changes to last-mile logistics, the environmental impact could be significant:

Zomato's Commitment to Sustainability

Zomato's Chief Sustainability Officer emphasized the company's proactive approach to environmental responsibility:

• Among the first delivery brands in India to commit to EV adoption in 2021
• Invested in awareness programs for sustainable delivery methods
• Partnered with over 40 OEM and fleet partners to provide rental access to delivery partners

This initiative demonstrates Zomato's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices in the food delivery industry. By joining forces with global players and backed by UNEP, Zomato is positioning itself at the forefront of the movement towards environmentally friendly last-mile delivery solutions.

The Deliver-E Coalition's efforts are crucial in addressing the growing environmental concerns associated with the rapid expansion of e-commerce and delivery services. As companies like Zomato lead by example, the coalition aims to create a ripple effect across the industry, encouraging more businesses to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to a greener future for urban logistics.

Zomato, the popular food delivery platform, has partnered with HDFC Pension to introduce a groundbreaking retirement savings initiative for gig workers. The 'NPS Platform Workers Model', launched on October 1, aims to provide much-needed financial security for the growing gig economy workforce in India.

Rapid Adoption by Delivery Partners

The new National Pension System (NPS) model has seen remarkable uptake, with over 30,000 delivery partners generating their Permanent Retirement Account Numbers within just 72 hours of the rollout. This swift adoption underscores the pressing need for such financial tools among gig workers.

Government Support and Launch

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman officially launched the initiative in New Delhi during an event organized by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) for NPS Diwas. The government's involvement highlights the importance of addressing retirement planning for the gig economy at a national level.

Ambitious Targets and Model Features

Zomato has set an ambitious target of enabling more than one lakh delivery partners to open NPS accounts by the end of 2025. Key features of the model include:

• Small periodic contributions to build retirement savings
• Portability across platforms, providing flexibility for workers with multiple employers

Streamlined Onboarding Process

The onboarding process leverages digital integration, utilizing existing Know Your Customer (KYC) details with worker consent. This streamlined approach aims to reduce barriers to entry and encourage widespread adoption among gig workers.

Addressing a Growing Workforce

India's gig economy is expanding rapidly, with an estimated 23.5 million platform workers projected by FY2030. However, awareness of formal retirement savings options among this workforce has been limited. Zomato's initiative seeks to address this gap, providing a structured way for gig workers to plan for their future.

Zomato's Commitment to Worker Welfare

Zomato reported approximately 5.09 lakh independent monthly active delivery partners in its latest quarterly results. The company already offers several support services at no cost to its workers, including:

• Health insurance
• Accident cover

The introduction of the NPS model further demonstrates Zomato's commitment to enhancing the welfare of its gig workforce.

Implications for the Gig Economy

This collaborative effort between Zomato and HDFC Pension could set a precedent for other platforms in the gig economy. By providing accessible retirement savings options, the initiative may help address some of the financial insecurities often associated with gig work, potentially leading to a more stable and secure workforce in this rapidly growing sector.

The success of this program could pave the way for similar models across various gig economy platforms, potentially reshaping the landscape of financial security for millions of workers in India's evolving job market.