Hyderabad, Nov 2026 : Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the Congress government in Telangana was fulfilling its promise to protect gig workers and ensure their social security through the launch of the Telangana Gig Workers' Social Security and Welfare Scheme.
Addressing gig workers in the presence of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and senior Congress leaders, Gandhi recalled his earlier interaction with workers, during which they had shared their concerns and demands.
“The Congress Party, our Chief Minister and all of us promised you that we would act on your demands. This was our promise, and today we are fulfilling it,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of data in the 21st century, Gandhi pointed out that digital platforms such as Uber and delivery applications depend heavily on information generated by gig workers. However, workers had little access to details about their rides, deliveries, working hours and earnings.
He said the new legislation would give workers access to their work-related data through their mobile phones, enabling them to monitor their performance, understand their earnings and exercise greater control over their professional activities.
Gandhi also announced plans to establish Wi-Fi-enabled rest zones across Hyderabad and other cities. These facilities would allow delivery partners and other gig workers to park their vehicles, take breaks and recover after spending long hours working outdoors, particularly in the heat.
Outlining the social security measures, he said every registered gig worker would receive accident insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh and health insurance coverage of Rs 10 lakh.
He further said that one per cent of every transaction, whether a ride or a delivery, would be channelled through a workers' welfare board and subsequently credited to the concerned worker's bank account. The mechanism, he said, was intended to help workers build savings and secure financial support for their future, including pension-related needs.
Gandhi also drew an ideological distinction between the Congress and the BJP-RSS, alleging that the latter viewed workers primarily as a source of labour benefiting large corporations and billionaires. In contrast, he said, the Congress considered gig workers and labourers fundamental to the country's progress.
“We will make you our partners. We will take full responsibility for your families' education and health,” he told the gathering, urging workers not to feel anxious about their future.
Gandhi thanked the gig workers for their support and reiterated his solidarity with them and their families, saying the government was committed to addressing their concerns through the welfare framework.
