CM Rekha Gupta holds pre-budget consultations with gig workers, rural representatives and labourers

Government sensitive to gig economy, rural development and worker welfare, says CM

Ignored by Previous Governments, Villages and Farmers Are Paramount Under the Rekha Gupta Administration: Labor Minister Kapil Mishra

New Delhi, March 2026 : In a bid to shape the 2026 budget around the needs and expectations of all sections of society, Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Thursday held a series of consultations at the Delhi Secretariat with gig workers, farmers, rural representatives and labour groups. Separate meetings were organised for each group, where participants shared their experiences and put forward their concerns, suggestions and expectations.

The Chief Minister engaged directly with attendees, listening closely and assuring them that their inputs would be given due priority in the upcoming budget. She said the government’s objective is to present a budget that reflects the aspirations of every section. “Public participation is the biggest strength of a developed Delhi,” she noted. Labour Minister Shri Kapil Mishra and Delhi Gram Vikas Board Board Chairman Rajkumar Chauhan were also present.

Gig workers call for security, infrastructure and recognition

During the discussions, gig workers and drivers stressed the need for concrete policies to improve working conditions and ensure social security. A key demand was the creation of adequate and safe parking facilities for drivers. They also urged the government to expand EV infrastructure and offer subsidies for women to purchase electric vehicles.

On social security, participants called for linking gig workers with provident fund systems and integrating health schemes. Several representatives pushed for recognising gig workers as ‘employees’ rather than ‘partners.’ They also proposed setting up a dedicated task force to address their concerns and safeguard their interests.

Other demands included establishing rest facilities for drivers and workers, increasing the number of public toilets, and introducing practical reforms in traffic regulations. Participants further highlighted discrepancies between central and state labour laws, urging harmonisation to ensure that benefits reach workers effectively.

Focus on agriculture and rural development

Farmers and rural representatives presented a wide range of demands aimed at strengthening agricultural infrastructure. These included improving irrigation facilities, developing rural roads, and reforming mandi systems. They also emphasised the need to upgrade basic amenities in villages, such as drainage, sanitation, drinking water and electricity.

Farmers demanded formal recognition of their status in Delhi and called for subsidies and incentive schemes related to agriculture. Issues related to land pooling policies and consolidation (chakbandi) were also raised, with suggestions to make these frameworks more farmer-friendly and effective.

They further sought a survey to revise the circle rates of agricultural land, fair compensation mechanisms, and better land development policies. Additional demands included electricity subsidies, improved drinking water supply, and revival of agricultural mandis to ensure fair prices for produce.

To strengthen their financial position, farmers called for wider access to Kisan Credit Cards, easier bank loans for tractors and farm equipment, and removal of hurdles in loan disbursement. They also stressed proper implementation of crop insurance schemes and the need for training programmes to introduce modern agricultural techniques and improve productivity.

On rural development, participants advocated planned urbanisation of villages, strengthening school infrastructure, and improving access to education and other essential services.

Labour groups highlight welfare, safety and working conditions

Representatives of labour groups raised several issues related to social security, working conditions, timely payment of wages, healthcare and housing. They demanded the opening of labour offices in every district and called for increased staffing in the labour department.

Workers emphasised the need for wider implementation of schemes such as ESIC and PPF. They also proposed the formation of a Labour Welfare Board. Suggestions included setting up dedicated training centres for women workers and introducing technology-based skill development programmes for skilled labourers to help them adapt to changing industry demands.

Ensuring basic amenities such as housing, water, sanitation and electricity was also highlighted as essential to improving workers’ living standards.

CM assures action, promises inclusive budget

Rekha Gupta said the government is taking farmers’ concerns seriously and working towards solutions. She assured that agriculture and rural development would receive special focus in Budget 2026, reiterating the government’s commitment to farmers’ prosperity.

She revealed that a study on revising circle rates has been underway for the past six months and a decision will be taken soon. Work on the Master Plan is also in progress. Over the past year, she said, the government has made consistent efforts to address long-standing issues and has initiated large-scale improvements in rural infrastructure, backed by increased budget allocations.

Efforts are ongoing on key issues such as tractor loans, Kisan Credit Cards and land consolidation, along with effective implementation of central government schemes. The government is also working to bridge the urban-rural divide by bringing modern amenities to villages, ensuring last-mile delivery of services and accelerating pending projects.

The Chief Minister added that continuous engagement with all sections will help shape a balanced, inclusive and growth-oriented budget, the impact of which will be visible in Budget 2026.

Highlighting the role of gig workers in the evolving economy, she said they have become indispensable and ensuring their rights and security is the government’s responsibility. “We will address their concerns and ensure they receive adequate facilities,” she said.

‘Focused efforts for farmers and workers under current government’: Kapil Mishra

Labour and Development Minister Kapil Mishra said that farmers and rural areas were neglected under previous governments, but under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s leadership, significant work is being done for villages, the poor and farmers.

He described the pre-budget consultations as a crucial step towards inclusive governance. Under the “Developed Delhi” vision, he said, development work is underway in 366 villages across 13 districts through the Delhi Village Development Board and the Gramodaya initiative, transforming rural areas. Projects worth ₹2,000 crore are currently being implemented in these regions.

Mishra also said that, for the first time, serious efforts are being made to safeguard the interests of labourers and gig workers. Delhi, he noted, offers the highest minimum wages, and four new simplified labour laws are being introduced.

He added that the push for electric vehicles has reduced home delivery costs, increased profitability, and generated more employment opportunities. The government will also work with companies to further strengthen the social security framework for gig workers.