Zomato and HDFC Pension have collaborated to introduce the ‘NPS Platform Workers Model’ for delivery partners on Zomato. The initiative was formally launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at an event organised by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) on NPS Diwas (October 1).
The model, developed with the support of Kfintech, the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA), is intended to provide delivery partners access to the National Pension System. It allows them to contribute regularly, build retirement savings, and receive pension benefits. Portability is also included, so benefits can be carried forward if workers change roles or platforms.
According to a 2022 NITI Aayog report, India is expected to have 23.5 million platform workers by FY2030. Currently, this workforce has limited access to retirement benefits, leading to very low participation in formal savings schemes.
As part of the roll-out, digital onboarding has been integrated with existing KYC/eKYC processes, subject to worker consent. Zomato reported that more than 30,000 delivery partners have already generated their PRANs (Permanent Retirement Account Numbers) within 72 hours of integration. The company has set a target to enable over 1 lakh delivery partners with NPS accounts by the end of 2025.
Speaking on the launch, Sriram Iyer – Managing Director & CEO, HDFC Pension, commented, “We are delighted to bring this offering to gig workers, in collaboration with Zomato. Usually, most individuals start to appreciate the importance of retirement planning as they near retirement. Hence, we constantly endeavour to create awareness on this topic. However, not all individuals have access to formal retirement planning instruments. Through the ‘NPS Platform Workers Model’, such individuals can now start planning for their retirement. This model not only enables them to plan for their retirement but also contributes towards bringing a larger section of our population under the umbrella of long-term financial security. I would like to thank PFRDA for their vision and support in launching this model. I would also like to thank Zomato for their advocacy and initiative in implementing this model for their delivery partners. We strongly believe this will go a long way towards making India ‘Future Sure’.”
Aditya Mangla, CEO, Zomato, said, “Our delivery partners are at the core of Zomato. With HDFC Pension, we’re taking a step beyond daily livelihood—towards long-term financial security and assurance in retirement. This is part of our larger commitment to building stability and dignity for those who power India’s gig economy.”
Zomato, in a statement, said it operates on a gig-first model, supporting an average of 5,09,000 independent monthly active delivery partners as of Q1 FY26. The company noted that it continues to invest in measures to enhance the delivery partner experience, including a comprehensive health insurance plan covering hospitalization, daycare treatment up to ₹1 lakh, OPD expenses up to ₹5,000, ICU costs, maternity insurance for female delivery partners, and teleconsultations. It added that delivery partners also receive a personal accident cover of up to ₹10 lakh at no cost. According to the statement, delivery partners have access to 24×7 SOS support across more than 800 cities through the partner app, which connects them to ambulances, police, and a dedicated SOS response team. The app also provides real-time visibility of earnings, allowing partners to track income from orders, incentives, and tips. To support partners on the move, Zomato said it has set up over 4,500 rest points in collaboration with restaurants and at all Blinkit dark stores, offering seating, drinking water, and charging facilities.
