Zomato Partners with HDFC Pension to Launch NPS for Delivery Partners, Aiming at Long-Term Financial Security

Zomato has joined hands with HDFC Pension Management Company to offer a National Pension System (NPS) for its delivery partners, marking a significant step toward financial inclusion for India’s gig workforce. The partnership was unveiled by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the NPS Diwas event organized by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

A Step Toward Financial Security for Gig Workers

The collaboration, powered by Kfintech as the Central Recordkeeping Agency, introduces the NPS Platform Workers Model — a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to bring pension benefits to platform-based delivery workers.

Under this model, Zomato’s delivery partners can enroll in the National Pension System, allowing them to make small and regular contributions that build a retirement corpus over time. The system ensures portability of benefits, lump-sum payouts, and monthly pensions after retirement.

Over 30,000 Zomato Partners Already Enrolled

Zomato revealed that over 30,000 delivery partners have already generated Permanent Retirement Account Numbers (PRANs) within just 72 hours of the program’s launch. The company aims to extend this benefit to over 100,000 partners by 2025, making it one of the largest NPS adoptions among gig platforms in India.

According to NITI Aayog, India is expected to have 23.5 million platform workers by FY2030, yet a large segment remains outside formal retirement planning. This initiative seeks to bridge that gap by giving gig workers access to the same financial security tools available to formal employees.

Statements from Leaders

Sriram Iyer, Managing Director & CEO of HDFC Pension, highlighted the importance of financial awareness among gig workers:

“We are delighted to bring this offering to gig workers in collaboration with Zomato. Not everyone has access to formal retirement planning, and this model helps them prepare for a secure future. With support from PFRDA, we aim to make India ‘Future Sure’.”

Aditya Mangla, CEO of Zomato, emphasized the company’s focus on long-term welfare for its partners:

“Our delivery partners are at the heart of Zomato. With this partnership, we move beyond daily earnings to ensure their long-term financial security and dignity in retirement.”

The Growing Importance of Pension for India’s Gig Economy

India’s gig economy has expanded rapidly, employing millions across food delivery, ride-hailing, and logistics platforms. However, retirement benefits and social security remain largely absent in this segment. By adopting the NPS model, Zomato becomes one of the first major food delivery platforms to actively integrate pension benefits for its workers — potentially setting a precedent for other gig companies.

Zomato’s partnership with HDFC Pension marks a milestone in empowering India’s gig workforce with structured financial planning and retirement security. As the initiative scales up, it may encourage other digital platforms to adopt similar models, promoting financial inclusion and long-term stability across the growing gig sector.

FAQs on Zomato-HDFC Pension Partnership

1. What is the NPS Platform Workers Model introduced by Zomato and HDFC Pension?

It’s a National Pension System scheme tailored for gig workers, enabling delivery partners to save regularly for retirement and receive a pension after 60.

2. Who launched the initiative?

The program was officially launched by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during an event organized by PFRDA on NPS Diwas.

3. How can Zomato delivery partners join the scheme?

Partners can enroll digitally through Zomato’s internal platform, using eKYC for quick onboarding and PRAN generation.

4. How many delivery partners have registered so far?

Over 30,000 partners have already registered within 72 hours, and the goal is to reach 100,000 by 2025.

5. Why is this initiative important for gig workers?

Most gig workers lack formal retirement savings. This scheme offers them financial protection, long-term savings, and pension benefits, promoting financial security in the gig sector.