Deepinder Goyal, the CEO of Zomato, recently stirred controversy with an unconventional hiring practice for the Chief of Staff position. Goyal announced that the candidate would need to pay a ₹20 lakh fee, which would be donated to Feeding India. Furthermore, the selected individual would not receive a salary for the first year, but from the second year onward, they would earn over ₹50 lakh annually.
Goyal described the role as a unique learning opportunity and claimed the fee was a way to demonstrate commitment and seriousness. However, this announcement sparked intense debate on social media. While some praised the philanthropic angle of donating the fee, others criticized the approach for potentially excluding talented candidates unable to afford the fee or forgoing a year’s salary.
Critics argued that such a practice could perpetuate inequality by prioritizing financial means over merit. Concerns about the practicality and fairness of this process dominated online discussions, with many questioning its alignment with modern hiring ethics.
Addressing the backlash, Goyal later clarified that the ₹20 lakh fee was merely a “screening tool” and would not be implemented. He also revealed that the job posting received over 18,000 applications, indicating significant interest despite the initial controversy.
The episode highlights the fine line between innovation and inclusivity in recruitment practices, raising questions about how companies balance exclusivity with accessibility in their talent acquisition strategies.
