The model, enabled through Kfintech’s digital infrastructure, is aimed at improving long-term financial security for gig workers associated with Zomato.
Zomato has partnered with HDFC Pension to introduce a National Pension System (NPS) model tailored for platform-based delivery partners. The initiative, called the ‘NPS Platform Workers Model’, was formally launched on October 1 in New Delhi by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at an event organised by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to mark NPS Diwas.
The model, enabled through Kfintech’s digital infrastructure, is aimed at improving long-term financial security for gig workers associated with Zomato.
According to the companies, onboarding is being done through digital integration using existing KYC or e-KYC details, with the workers’ consent. Additional information can be shared later.
Over 30,000 delivery partners have already generated their Permanent Retirement Account Numbers (PRANs) within 72 hours of the rollout. Zomato has set a target of enabling more than one lakh delivery partners to open NPS accounts by the end of 2025.
India has an estimated 23.5 million platform workers projected by FY2030, according to a 2022 NITI Aayog report. Industry studies have highlighted limited awareness and access to formal retirement savings among gig workers, leading to negligible participation in pension schemes.
Under the new model, eligible delivery partners can make small, periodic contributions and build retirement savings that can be withdrawn as a lump sum and pension upon retirement. The framework also allows portability, enabling workers to retain their accounts as they move across roles or platforms.
Sriram Iyer, Managing Director and CEO of
HDFC Pension, said the initiative is intended to broaden access to retirement planning among individuals who are typically excluded from formal schemes.
Aditya Mangla, CEO of Zomato, said the collaboration supports long-term financial security for delivery partners.
Zomato reported an average of about 5.09 lakh independent monthly active delivery partners in Q1 FY26. The company currently offers health insurance, accident cover, SOS assistance, rest points and other support services at no cost to partners.
HDFC Pension, a subsidiary of HDFC Life, is licensed by PFRDA as both a Pension Fund Manager and a Point of Presence for NPS subscribers.
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