“Untouchability not only limited to caste”: Delhi Man Steps into the Shoes of a Blinkit Delivery Agent, Reveals Deep Social Bias

Salman Saleem, the creative head of a Delhi based Vibes Network conducted a social experiment and decided to step into the shoes of a Blinkit delivery agent, in order to understand the problems and challenges faced by these delivery partners on a day to day basis. Documenting his experience, Saleem stated that “untouchability is not only limited to caste” and that these delivery workers were often treated as “second class travelers” who are “still struggling to earn their rightful dignity.”

Taking to social media platform Linkedln, Salman noted that he, in adherence to the norms; registered on the platform and went to the nearest Blinkit store, what followed next, “shocked” him. “Untouchability is not only limited to caste. My experience as a Blinkit delivery guy will shock you. Here’s the truth about how society treats delivery workers. I enrolled on the application and went to the nearest Blinkit store. As I collected my order and rushed to deliver it, beating traffic, harsh sun, and dust. I realised that this profession is still struggling to earn its rightful dignity. Not just policemen, even people in their AC cars treat delivery workers like second-class travelers,” wrote Salman.

In his post, he added that as he proceeded with the deliveries for the day, he was often stopped from using the main lift, having to take either the service lifts or stairs sometimes up to the 4th floor. “This kind of treatment was especially common in housing societies where the so-called rich and educated live, the same people who vocalise their opinions against all forms of discrimination on social media. As a society, we need to understand that delivery executives are just as human as everyone else. We must stop making assumptions about someone’s character, status, or worth based on their uniform or appearance. Everyone deserves respect, regardless of their profession,” Salman Saleem said.

In conclusion, the creative head of the influencer marketing firm urged grocery delivery companies like Blinktit and Zepto to run awareness campaigns about the discrimination delivery workers face on a daily basis. “These campaigns can help promote kindness and dignity, ensuring they’re treated fairly in public spaces,” he added.

Salman’s post garnered traction on social media with netizens calling for a more inclusive society, devoid of biases based on a person’s designation and appearance.​