Ola, Swiggy, Paytm dole out benefits for drivers, delivery agents and employees in the testing times of Coronavirus

• Startups like Ola, Swiggy, Paytm have begun to put out benefits for their employees who continue to work.
• Ola has announced a coverage of up to ₹30,000 for driver-partners and their spouses affected by COVID-19.
• Meanwhile, Paytm is setting up a ₹5 crore fund for teams working on COVID-19 related medical solutions

With the spread of Coronavirus, a lockdown has been announced in 75 districts of India. Millions of Indians are working from home, and roads across the country wore a deserted look.

In these testing times, startups like Ola, Swiggy, Paytm have begun to put out benefits for their employees who continue to work.

Insurance cover for Ola’s drivers

With most people staying indoors, there were barely any bookings coming for cabs. Now with a lockdown in the National Capital, private transport has been completely suspended. But cab drivers are also at high risk for Coronavirus.

Ola has announced a coverage of up to ₹30,000 for driver-partners and their spouses affected by COVID-19. It has also partnered with doctor consultation app Mfine to help out its driver partners.

“Through our tailored insurance offering, we are able to help driver-partners and their spouses, through assured financial support if they are diagnosed with COVID-19. In addition, through access to free medical help for all driver partners and their families, we aim to ensure their personal health and wellbeing,” said Anand Subramanian, spokesperson and head of communications at Ola.

Swiggy sets aside all earnings from Janata curfew day

Swiggy continued to work on Janata curfew, the self-imposed curfew placed on March 22. As people stayed home, many opted to order in as domestic help also took a day off.

As these hardworking delivery agents can’t work from home, Swiggy announced that any and all revenue generated by it on March 22 will be donated to their safety and welfare. Swiggy also said that in case a delivery partner or their family members (spouse and children) is affected by Coronavirus, their medical expenses will be taken care of through the medical insurance provided by the company. In case a delivery partner falls sick and is self quarantined, Swiggy will also help them financially during those times.

Vijay Shekhar Sharma donates salary, commits ₹5 crore for teams working on solutions

Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma announced that he will not be taking his salary for the next two months. Instead, the money will be used to help Paytm’s staff. Sharma made the decision after watching a video of Marriott chief Arne M. Sorenson who spoke about how Covid-19 has impacted the business. Sorenson said that as a CEO, the most difficult step he has to take is seeing his colleagues impacted.

Additionally, Sharma announced that Paytm is setting up a ₹5 crore fund for teams working on COVID-19 related medical solutions like the potential shortage of clinical ventilators and other critical medical equipment.

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