Study by day, food delivery by night, this Pune civil services aspirant hopes to get khaki in 2024

Originally from Satara district, Akshay has been living in Pune’s Pimpri Chinchwad for the past three years. Despite his parents, who work as farmers in Satara, urging him to return and assist them with farming, Akshay is committed to achieving his goal of becoming Deputy Superintendent of Police.

Lost in the allure of a khaki uniform, Akshay expressed how he found his inspiration from a khaki-clad official who had visited his village. This brought him to Pune for the preparation of his goal.

While explaining his daily routine, he said, “My day begins with physical activities needed to achieve the police post I want. From morning until afternoon, I give time to my coaching. Upon returning, I deliver blood reports to people from YCM Hospital, which helps me earn Rs 300 a day. Finally, from evening until midnight, I work as a Zomato delivery boy.”

“I found it challenging to manage my revisions but with the mains exam approaching, I have planned to reduce my workload and prioritise my focus on studying,” Akshay added, who is also a graduate in BA in Economics.

About the Gig Workers’ Bill, 2023 recently approved in Rajasthan, Akshay described the necessity for security among gig workers, citing concerns about companies exploiting them.

He said, “I chose this job initially due to its significant financial benefits. However, with the recent introduction of new terms, I barely make Rs 200 a day. Before the company introduced these new terms, we had the freedom to work in any time slot and used to earn Rs 500 daily.”

According to Akshay, the new terms and conditions introduced in February 2023 have compelled delivery workers to work in nine different two-hour slots daily, with the task of completing 18 deliveries. Previously, Akshay was free to work at any slot with just one login, but now he has to log in separately.

“I have to handle my financial responsibilities as my parents can’t afford my education. If they find out about my work here, they would insist that I come back home, but I have decided to telI them only after I successfully clear my interview exam,” he said.