Zomato’s CEO Deepinder Goyal has introduced a groundbreaking and highly controversial job offer for the position of Chief of Staff, which has stirred significant debate. The offer requires the selected candidate to pay ₹20 lakh upfront, which will be donated to Feeding India, and work without a salary for the first year. While the initiative is part of Zomato’s commitment to social causes, many are questioning the ethics and fairness of such a hiring practice.
Exploring Zomato’s Unconventional Chief of Staff Role
The position of Chief of Staff at Zomato is an influential leadership role, with the candidate being responsible for overseeing major initiatives like Blinkit, Hyperpure, and District. The job promises a high level of responsibility and the opportunity to work on impactful projects. However, the conditions of the offer have raised concerns.
In addition to the lack of salary, candidates are required to pay ₹20 lakh as a donation to Feeding India, which supports Zomato’s mission of reducing hunger.
The ₹20 Lakh Payment: Charity or Corporate Exploitation?
The requirement for candidates to pay ₹20 lakh upfront has sparked the most controversy. While the money is intended to support charity, many argue that it creates a financial barrier for qualified candidates who may not have the resources to contribute such an amount.
Critics believe that the offer may be a form of corporate exploitation disguised as a charitable initiative. By asking for such a large sum, the offer could limit access to only those who are already wealthy or have access to significant funds.
Public Outcry: Reactions to Zomato’s Controversial Job Offer
The job offer has sparked widespread criticism, particularly on social media. Many are questioning the ethics of the offer, while some support the move as a creative way to integrate social responsibility into business practices.
Some argue that the job offer excludes talented individuals who cannot afford the ₹20 lakh payment.
“It’s a barrier to entry for anyone who doesn’t have that kind of financial backing,” one user stated.
Others view the offer as a chance for highly driven individuals who are passionate about business and philanthropy to make a significant impact.
“If you’re serious about contributing to business and social change, this could be an exciting challenge,” another commenter wrote.
Deepinder Goyal Defends the Role: A New Corporate Model
Deepinder Goyal has defended the job offer, clarifying that the ₹20 lakh payment is a voluntary contribution to charity and not a fee for employment. He emphasized that the Chief of Staff role provides significant exposure and responsibility in driving Zomato’s growth and social initiatives.
Goyal also stated that the intention behind this job offer is to attract candidates who are committed to social causes, while also playing a critical role in Zomato’s future.
What This Means for the Future of Corporate Hiring in India
The Zomato job offer is a unique example of how companies are attempting to combine corporate growth with social responsibility. However, the backlash it has received suggests that such approaches need to be carefully reconsidered to ensure fairness and accessibility in hiring practices.
As more businesses experiment with blending social causes into their recruitment strategies, the challenge will be to balance inclusivity and accessibility with the goal of making a positive societal impact.
Deepinder Goyal’s ₹20 lakh job offer has ignited a debate about the ethics of corporate hiring. While the initiative aims to support Feeding India, the financial conditions attached to the offer have left many questioning whether it is a fair and inclusive opportunity. The debate highlights the complexity of integrating philanthropy with business practices and raises important questions about the future of corporate hiring in India.
Saathee Global
