OPINION | Budget reinforces confidence, urban growth, and India’s platform economy

These measures strengthen the foundations of a more dynamic, inclusive, and resilient Indian economy,

The Budget arrives as India enjoys a Goldilocks zone of high growth and benign inflation. Amid global uncertainty, India shines with quiet confidence, embracing the world on its own terms. This Budget embodies that balanced resilience and forward momentum.

A Confident Budget

Just as the Government draws inspiration from three Kartavyas, it is apt to view Swiggy’s role through the same lens—our collective duties shaping the ecosystem. We see our Kartavya as building a stronger ecosystem for consumers, partners, and workers who power everyday commerce.

Recent GST reductions and income tax relief have improved disposable incomes across segments. The Budget’s renewed focus on infrastructure, the ‘City Economic Regions’ vision, and initiatives for pilgrimage towns, tourism circuits, and hospitality will accelerate urbanisation. As cities expand and densify, food delivery and quick commerce will be vital, and Swiggy is ready to support this shift.

The Next Phase of Consumption

This urban momentum is reinforced by the ₹10,000 crore SME Growth Fund, and women entrepreneur initiatives that open doors for restaurant partners, cloud kitchens, small food businesses, and women-led ventures. According to a recent NCAER report, each platform job creates 2.7 additional jobs across the economy, delivering one of India’s highest employment multipliers in services.

Recognising this scale and impact, the new Labour Codes formally recognise platform workers, offering benefits such as portable e-Shram IDs across states and platforms. The Budget enhances this by providing health coverage for over one crore gig workers under PM Ayushman Bharat. Platform work is now the third employment pillar, alongside enterprise-led and self-owned jobs. Last year, Swiggy’s delivery partners earned over ₹5,500 crore, enabling sustainable livelihoods at scale.

Platform Work and the Reform Momentum

These measures are part of the broader reform journey the Finance Minister aptly described as the “Reform Express”. From GST simplifications and income tax cuts to the upcoming overhaul of customs laws, and with state governments enabling complementary labour reforms—such as allowing women to work late in modern retail and services—the reform engine continues to gather pace. Together, these measures strengthen the foundations of a more dynamic, inclusive, and resilient Indian economy, and inspire confidence in India’s growth trajectory ahead.

(Rohit Kapoor – CEO, Food Marketplace, Swiggy.)

Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.