‘1.5 lakh jobs, ₹1,000 cr in taxes’: Zepto CEO defends Indian startups amid Piyush Goyal's 'delivery boys, girls' remark

Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal's remark on India's startup ecosystem while speaking at the Startup Mahakumbh 2025 in New Delhi has sparked a controversy. “Should we aspire to be, or are we going to be happy being delivery boys and girls?” he said while comparing the startup landscapes between India and China. His remarks prompted entrepreneurs across India to share varied reactions, including the latest one from Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha.

In an X post, he claimed that his company, which he also co-founded, has created almost 1.5 Lakh jobs and generated nearly “ ₹ 1,000+ Crores of tax contribution to the government per year.” What are your thoughts on Aadit Palicha’s reaction?.