Controversy Over Zomato Chief Of Staff Job With No Salary, ₹20 Lakh Fee
A recent job listing from Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal has sparked widespread debate. Goyal announced a Chief of Staff position at Zomato’s Gurugram headquarters, offering a unique opportunity to work directly with him and gain hands-on experience in the consumer tech industry. However, the role comes with an unusual twist: the selected candidate must pay a ₹20 lakh fee during the first year instead of receiving a salary.
In the listing, Goyal explained that the fee would be donated entirely to Feeding India, a charitable initiative. Additionally, Zomato would contribute ₹50 lakh to a charity of the candidate’s choice. The salary arrangement changes in the second year, with the company offering a “competitive” package exceeding ₹50 lakh. Goyal emphasized the role’s unparalleled learning opportunity, comparing it to a fast-track program superior to an MBA. He stated, “We want learners for this role, not résumé builders.”
Update: I am looking for a chief of staff for myself. pic.twitter.com/R4XPp3CefJ
— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) November 20, 2024
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism, with many labeling it exploitative and elitist. TMC MP Saket Gokhale condemned the hiring process, calling it a “mockery of labor laws” and a violation of the constitutional right to equality. He argued that the fee requirement effectively excludes individuals who cannot afford to pay ₹20 lakh or secure a loan for it.
Gokhale also questioned the legitimacy of such hiring practices, urging the Labour Minister to investigate. “How on earth is this being allowed?” he asked, highlighting the inherent inequality in expecting candidates to finance their employment.
– A “job” where you have to “pay” 20L upfront for the 1st year to your employer (doesn’t matter where it goes eventually)
– You pay apparently because “you’re learning” (this is a job, mind you, not an academic course that gives a degree)
Therefore, only candidates with 20L… https://t.co/f3VfJKhN3F
— Saket Gokhale MP (@SaketGokhale) November 20, 2024
An X user Vishal Bhargava echoed similar concerns, describing the process as “megalomania masquerading as an exotic hiring process.” He criticized the premise that working with the Zomato CEO should be seen as a privilege justifying the absence of a salary.
Amid the backlash, some voices defended the unconventional model. Viraj Sheth, co-founder of Monk Entertainment, argued that the role’s learning potential outweighs the fee. He compared it favorably to an MBA program, stating, “The Chief of Staff role at Zomato will land you far more future opportunities than that MBA degree will.”
