The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has expressed concern over the recently released Delhi Motor Vehicle Aggregator and Delivery Service Provider Scheme 2023. As per the association, if implemented as envisioned, the scheme could adversely impact countless gig workers' livelihoods across Delhi.
IAMAI noted that it supports the development of the country’s electric vehicle (EV) industry. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the present realities of the EV ecosystem. The EV conversion targets prescribed in the scheme appear to be based on assumptions of ecosystem maturity rather than evidence-based research.
The Government must recognise that the paucity of charging stations and battery-swapping infrastructure in the capital make the scheme’s ambitious targets virtually impossible to meet.
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Extremely High Costs
Aggressive EV transition mandates for aggregators and delivery service providers could lead to significant disruptions to business activity and livelihoods of gig workers in the capital. In particular, the prescribed EV conversion targets pose a significant risk to gig workers who have heavily invested their capital in internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles, often through loans.
Moreover, the extremely high costs associated with owning an EV make it a commercially unfeasible option for most gig workers in the capital. The target of 100% electrification of bike taxis operating in Delhi right from the outset raises serious concerns as the lack of a moratorium for bike taxis could render numerous gig workers without work overnight.
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On the scheme’s provisions pertaining to consumer grievances, IAMAI urged the Government to adopt a graded approach to addressing consumer complaints based on their urgency and nature. Regarding the scheme’s data storage requirements, IAMAI requested that the Delhi Government refrain from imposing such obligations as the Central Government's storage and sharing of personal data is set to be more comprehensively addressed by the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2022.
IAMAI also recommended an escalation mechanism before imposing penalties, as it would ensure a fair and transparent process for all stakeholders involved.