Zomato Partners with HDFC Pension to Launch NPS Model for Delivery Partners

In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Zomato has teamed up with HDFC Pension to introduce the NPS Platform Workers Model for its delivery partners. Launched on NPS Diwas, this collaboration aims to provide long-term financial security for gig workers, ensuring retirement benefits and stability for the backbone of India’s food delivery ecosystem.

Collaboration Launch and Key Highlights

The model was officially launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at a PFRDA event in New Delhi. Enabled by Kfintech, the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA), the initiative focuses on providing National Pension System (NPS) benefits to delivery partners onboarded on Zomato.

The collaboration reflects the alignment of HDFC Pension’s goal of securing retirement with Zomato’s gig-first business approach, placing delivery partners at the center of its operations. The program emphasizes the well-being and long-term financial stability of India’s growing gig workforce.

Importance of the Initiative for Gig Workers

According to a NITI Aayog report (2022), India’s platform workforce is expected to reach 23.5 million by FY2029-30. However, access to formal retirement benefits for this group is limited, resulting in low retirement savings rates.

Through the NPS Platform Workers Model, Zomato delivery partners will now receive benefits such as:

• Lump sum and monthly pension at retirement

• Flexible small, regular contributions

• Portability of benefits, allowing workers to carry their retirement savings forward throughout their careers

The initiative addresses a critical gap in financial security and awareness among India’s gig workers.

Seamless Digital Onboarding

To ensure ease of adoption, the program uses digital integration, leveraging existing KYC or eKYC processes with delivery partners’ consent for PRAN (Permanent Retirement Account Number) generation.

Within 72 hours of integration, over 30,000 delivery partners had already generated their PRANs, and Zomato aims to onboard over 1 lakh delivery partners with NPS accounts by the end of 2025.

Statements from Leadership

Sriram Iyer, MD & CEO of HDFC Pension, highlighted the importance of early retirement planning, stating that many individuals recognize its value only near retirement. He said the model will help bring more workers under the umbrella of long-term financial security and expressed gratitude to PFRDA and Zomato for their support.

Aditya Mangla, CEO of Zomato, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivery partners’ long-term stability, stating that this initiative goes beyond daily earnings to offer assurance and dignity for workers powering India’s gig economy.

Zomato’s Gig-First Model and Existing Support

Zomato currently supports over 5 lakh monthly active delivery partners (as of Q1 FY26) through various industry-first and standard initiatives:

• Comprehensive health insurance, covering hospitalization, daycare, OPD, ICU, maternity, teleconsultation, and personal accident cover up to ₹10 lakh

• 24×7 SOS support in more than 800 cities, providing access to ambulances, police, and a dedicated response team

• Real-time earnings visibility, including order income, incentives, and tips

• Rest points in collaboration with partner restaurants and Blinkit dark stores, offering safe spaces, seating, drinking water, and phone-charging facilities

These measures demonstrate Zomato’s commitment to enhancing the overall experience, safety, and financial security of its delivery partners.

Long-Term Impact on the Gig Economy

The NPS collaboration with HDFC Pension is a significant step toward financial inclusion for gig workers in India. It provides a structured approach to retirement planning, helping delivery partners secure their future while continuing to earn in the present.

This initiative sets a benchmark for other gig economy platforms, encouraging the adoption of formal financial and retirement benefits for millions of independent workers across the country.

Conclusion

The partnership between Zomato and HDFC Pension represents a landmark development for gig workers, combining digital convenience, long-term financial security, and support for health and well-being. By integrating NPS benefits into its delivery ecosystem, Zomato ensures its workforce enjoys both immediate protections and future stability, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in responsible gig economy practices.