Zomato CEO Faces Backlash Over Unpaid Job Requiring ₹20 Lakh Fee

Deepinder Goyal defends the unconventional hiring process as a 'learning opportunity,' but critics argue it excludes less privileged candidates.

Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Zomato, advertised a Chief of Staff role requiring a ₹20 lakh donation to the Feeding India initiative and no salary for the first year.
The job posting received over 18,000 applications within a day, but Goyal clarified the ₹20 lakh condition was a 'filter' and would not be enforced.
Critics argue the requirement alienates financially disadvantaged candidates, raising concerns about privilege and fairness in hiring practices.
Supporters, including a former Zomato employee, defended the role as offering valuable experience surpassing an MBA, though many remain skeptical.
Goyal stated this hiring approach will not be repeated and emphasized that Zomato typically pays above-market salaries to its employees.