Hyderabad: Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Saturday announced a series of welfare measures for gig workers under the
Telangana Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme, including insurance coverage, financial benefits, dedicated rest zones and access to their work-related data. Addressing gig workers at the launch of the scheme in Hyderabad, Rahul Gandhi said the Telangana government would provide Rs 5 lakh in accident insurance and Rs 10 lakh in health insurance. He also announced that gig workers would receive 1% of every delivery transaction directly into their bank accounts. "...Govt of Telangana is going to give you the guarantee of Rs 5 Lakh as accident insurance and Rs 10 Lakh as health insurance. Most importantly, you will get 1% of every transaction for every delivery directly into your bank accounts. Company will have to give you this in every city of Telangana. This money will go to the gig workers' board and then directly to the bank accounts of gig workers," he said.
Wi-Fi-Enabled Rest Zones For Gig Workers
Rahul Gandhi also announced that the Telangana government would establish dedicated rest zones for gig workers across Hyderabad and other cities in the state.
Highlighting the challenges faced by delivery workers who spend long hours travelling across cities, he said the proposed facilities would provide them with places to park their vehicles, rest and relax.
"You move across the cities of Telangana under the sun, you deliver goods, but you do not have dedicated places to rest. So, Govt of Telangana is going to set up Wi-Fi-enabled rest zones where you can park your vehicle, rest, sit, relax or sleep in Hyderabad and all cities of the state," he said.
Gig Workers To Get Access To Their Work Data
The Congress leader also highlighted the importance of data access for gig workers, saying the new law would give them the right to access information about their work, completed rides and payments through their mobile phones.
Drawing a comparison with major technology companies and data-driven businesses, Rahul Gandhi said gig workers had so far been unable to access their own work-related data.
"21st century is the century of data. Data is discussed across the country, data centres are being set up. Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Uber - all of these function on the strength of data. But gig workers were not getting their own data in India until now. Gig workers could not see their own data...This law is going to give you the right to your own data. Govt of Telangana is giving you a guarantee that the work you do, the rides you complete, the money you are being paid for the rides will be accessible to you on your mobile phone," he said.
Rahul Gandhi said the welfare scheme was part of the Congress party's commitment to address the concerns raised by gig workers during an earlier interaction with them.
Recalling his meeting with gig workers in Telangana, he said they had shared their difficulties and demands, following which the party had promised to take steps to improve their working conditions and provide them with protection.
"I had a meeting with the gig workers of Telangana. You shared your sorrow and pain with me. At that time, I said that the Congress party, our CM and all of us had promised you that we would take steps regarding your demands and we would make every effort to help you and protect you. Today, we are fulfilling that promise..."
