Tech Savvy Maid in Kolkata Outsources Her Duties for a Day Using Urban Company’s ‘Insta Maids’: Leaves internet and employer in wonder
In a bizarre yet amusing incident, a Chartered Accountant (CA) from Kolkata found himself at the receiving end of a clever move by his domestic help. Akhil Agarwal, a finance expert and co-founder of InvestEQ, recently took to social media to share how his maid outsourced her duties for a day using Urban Company’s new ‘Insta Maids’ service—all to avoid a salary deduction.
Agarwal’s maid, who earns Rs 5,000 per month, is entitled to four paid leaves. Any additional leave results in a pay cut. To circumvent this, she hired an ‘Insta Maid’ for the day and requested Agarwal not to deduct her salary. “Paise mat kaatna bhaiya, ek maid bhej rahi hoon kaam ke liye (Don’t cut my pay, I’m sending another maid for the work),” she told him.
Our maid charges 5K/month, i.e, ₹160/day.
— CA Akhil Agarwal (@InvestWithAkhil) March 15, 2025
An extra leave beyond 4 days means a cut from her pagaar.
She ordered an 'Insta maid' from Urban Co. today for us saying,
"Paise mat kaatna bhaiya, ek maid bhej rahi hoon kaam ke liye"
B2B2C model for UC?
India is not for beginners!
Agarwal’s post on X (formerly Twitter) went viral, with users applauding the maid’s ingenuity. “B2B2C model for Urban Company? India is not for beginners!” he quipped, referencing the maid’s entrepreneurial approach.
Urban Company’s ‘Insta Maids’ Sparks Controversy
The incident coincides with growing criticism of Urban Company’s ‘Insta Maids’ service, which allows users to hire domestic help on an hourly basis. Launched as a pilot in Mumbai, the service promises assistance with chores like cleaning, sweeping, and cooking within 15 minutes. However, its starting rate of Rs 49 per hour has drawn widespread backlash.
Labor unions and social media users have accused the company of exploiting gig workers. The Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) condemned the service, stating that prioritizing “speed over dignity” undermines workers’ rights. Critics also slammed the low pay rate, especially as Urban Company prepares for its IPO. “A mere Rs 49 per hour? At least have some respect for the dignity of labor,” one user commented.
Some skeptics called the service a PR gimmick to boost IPO interest, while others criticized the use of the term “maid,” calling it outdated and derogatory.
Defenders and Urban Company’s Stand
Despite the backlash, Urban Company found support from some quarters. Arindam Paul, founder of Atomberg, dismissed the criticism as “virtue signaling,” pointing out that many households pay their help far less than what Urban Company offers. The company’s co-founder, Varun Khaitan, defended the model, stating that service partners can earn Rs 150-200 per hour, with additional benefits like health and life insurance.
As the debate rages on, the future of ‘Insta Maids’ remains uncertain. While some see it as a game-changer, others demand fairer working conditions for gig workers. Meanwhile, Akhil Agarwal’s maid has become an unlikely symbol of resourcefulness in the gig economy.
