Title: Delhi Launches Bag-Carrying Service: A Convenient Solution or Class Controversy?

Imagine having a personal porter to haul your shopping bags as you navigate from store to store, or someone to push your stroller while you browse. This is the reality offered by a new startup in Delhi, the capital of India. Since its launch in April, CarryMen has been providing male and female assistants to shoppers in the bustling Lajpat Nagar market. The service is available for up to four hours, with rates starting at 79 rupees ($0.83; £0.62) for the first 30 minutes, and an hourly fee of 149 rupees.

While the service has been praised by customers for simplifying their shopping experiences, it has also ignited a heated debate regarding entitlement within the Indian middle class and whether these roles amount to exploitative, low-status labor.

The concept was developed by co-founders Ritu Kandari Srivastava and Kanishka Malhotra, both mothers of toddlers. "The idea was born last year when Kanishka and I went to Lajpat Nagar with our toddlers. We found it really tough to manoeuvre our prams while carrying all our shopping bags," Ritu explained to the BBC. "Also, we saw an older woman struggling with her bags and we wanted to help her. But we could barely manage our own things. That was very frustrating."

Ritu added, "So, we thought if there was a service where we could pay and get some help, we won't have to beg our family members to take us shopping."

The founders noted that markets like Lajpat Nagar differ significantly from modern shopping malls. Instead of smooth surfaces, escalators, and air conditioning, these are crowded open-air bazaars. Footpaths are often missing, uneven, or obstructed by vendors, making it difficult to navigate prams or even walk comfortably. After discussing the concept with their families that evening, the idea for CarryMen began to take shape.

Over the following months, the duo registered their company, secured necessary permissions from the municipal corporation and police, and established a kiosk in Lajpat Nagar. They recruited five young men, later adding two women to the team, and conducted a month of intensive training before launching the service.

The startup quickly gained viral attention, with thousands sharing the news and sparking divided opinions on social media. Supporters hailed it as an innovative solution that could generate thousands of jobs in a country where urban unemployment has remained above 5%, leaving millions without work. Conversely, critics labeled the service as a symptom of entitlement among affluent, lazy Indians who outsource menial tasks to others.

Some of the negative backlash intensified after AI-generated images circulated online, depicting well-dressed, wealthy women as the target demographic. "It sounded like the service would be catering to the ultra-rich woman who's just got a manicure and doesn't want her nails spoiled," stated Akriti Bhatia, a labor rights activist and sociologist.

Further criticism came from those who argued that CarryMen are merely glorified "coolies," contributing to an exploitative gig economy, with some even describing the arrangement as modern-day slavery. The founders firmly rejected these accusations. "First of all, there is no slavery. We are not forcing anyone to work for us. And all our workers are full-time salaried employees, they are not gig workers," Ritu clarified. "Also, this is not about entitlement. We are just providing assistance to those who have difficulty navigating the streets and overcrowded markets on their own."

According to Ritu, the majority of clients over the past six weeks have been pregnant women, mothers with young children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Anand Kumar, one of the CarryMen, noted that their very first customer was a pregnant woman. He explained that during training, staff were instructed to maintain courtesy at all times and treat customers like family. The assistants are trained to handle various items, including prams, umbrellas, foldable chairs, water bottles, and portable chargers. Additionally, they are taught how to safely lock and unlock prams. "We were also told to make ourselves familiar with the market layout so w

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 02:51:32 UTC