Telangana Launches New Welfare Scheme and Insurance for Gig Workers

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy launched the Telangana Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Scheme in Hyderabad on Saturday. The launch took place at Hitech City as part of the Bharat Summit to protect platform-based workers.

Welfare Measures

Mr. Gandhi announced ₹5 lakh in accident insurance and ₹10 lakh in health insurance for every gig worker in the state. The government will also build dedicated Wi-Fi-enabled rest zones in Hyderabad and other cities so delivery personnel and cab drivers can park and rest during their shifts. Under the new legislation, workers will gain direct mobile access to their work data, including details of transactions, working hours, and payments.

Funding Mechanism

The scheme introduces a social security contribution where 1% of every transaction, such as a delivery or cab ride, goes toward worker welfare. Companies will collect this amount, and the Gig Workers' Board will route it directly into the bank accounts of the workers. Mr. Gandhi criticized the BJP-RSS, alleging they want to turn workers into bonded labourers, while the Congress treats workers as economic partners.

Context

Chief Minister Revanth Reddy noted that this legislation fulfills a promise made during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2023. State ministers including Labour Minister Vivek Venkataswamy, Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka, and TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud also attended the event.