Zomato has responded to criticism over a delivery agent’s low earnings, following a viral video in which Ritik Tomar, a delivery boy from Meerut, claimed he earned only Rs 300 on Diwali. Tomar said he worked six hours, delivered eight orders on Diwali, and earned just Rs 300.

The video sparked discussions about the working conditions of delivery workers at festivals. Zomato clarified that the delivery agent worked for six hours on October 30, but did not go online on Diwali itself.

In a post on social media platform x (formerly Twitter), Zomato said, “Recent reports about one of our delivery partners from Meerut earning Rs 300 for working more than 6 hours on Diwali were inaccurate and disturbing for us. Our delivery partners are the heart of our service and we ensure to provide them with excellent earning opportunities to appreciate their hard work and dedication, especially during festivals.

“Here are the facts: The said delivery boy worked for 6 hours on October 30 (he did not log in on Diwali, as mentioned in the news reports). He delivered 10 orders and earned a total of Rs 695. On the same day, many delivery boys who spent an average of 10 hours in Meerut earned a total of Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,300,” the food delivery platform added.

“False numbers and narratives can impact the livelihoods, motivation and dignity of people in these positions. We ask everyone to avoid spreading false information,” he also said.

Tomar shared a video on Instagram Reels, saying he was working tirelessly on Diwali to deliver orders. At 11 p.m., after completing eight orders, he posted his total earnings, which were around Rs 316.