Telangana Government Takes Key Decision on Gig Worker Welfare

Telangana Labour Minister Gaddam Vivek Venkatswamy has announced that new rules and comprehensive welfare measures for nearly six lakh gig workers in the state will be officially unveiled by Rahul Gandhi on November 14. The announcement will take place as part of the Bharat Global Summit, scheduled to be held in Hyderabad on November 13 and 14. The minister said Rahul Gandhi had consistently emphasised the need for legislation to protect gig workers' rights and had been seeking updates on the proposed law and welfare board. The new framework aims to address major concerns faced by delivery personnel and cab drivers, including job insecurity, pressure to complete deliveries within short timelines and the risk of road accidents.

The minister said the proposed measures are intended to provide gig workers with better protection, social security and support in the event of accidents. He added that the government had engaged with aggregator companies to bring gig workers' welfare within the scope of the proposed legal framework. A special rally involving gig workers will also be organised during Rahul Gandhi's visit. According to the minister, the event will remain free from political party involvement and focus exclusively on the concerns of gig workers. A dedicated mobile app will be used for registration, and only eligible registered workers will be allowed entry after scanning a QR code. Vivek expressed confidence that Telangana's approach to gig worker welfare could serve as a model for other states.