Rahul Gandhi Announces Rs 5 Lakh Accident, Rs 10 Lakh Health Insurance for Gig Workers
Addressing after launching of the Telangana Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Scheme here along with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy, he said the initiative was aimed at providing dignity, financial security and social protection to thousands of workers engaged in platform-based services, including food delivery, transportation and other digital services.
Rahul Gandhi said the legislation would ensure that gig workers had access to their work-related data, including the number of rides and deliveries completed, working hours, earnings and payments received for each transaction.
While companies such as Google, Facebook, WhatsApp and Uber operated on data, workers themselves were often deprived of information about their performance and earnings, he said.
Recalling his interaction with gig workers in Telangana, he said they had brought their problems and hardships to his notice and that the Congress party and Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy had promised to provide them with security and protection.
The government was now implementing those assurances, he added.
He said the government was also developing dedicated rest zones with Wi-Fi facilities where gig workers could park their vehicles, take breaks and relax during working hours.
The facilities would be established in Hyderabad and other cities across Telangana, he said.
Stating that accident or illness often pushed gig workers and their families into financial difficulties due to loss of livelihood, he said the insurance coverage would provide protection against such uncertainties.
He also stressed the need for pension and long-term social security for gig workers. Under the proposed mechanism, one per cent of the transaction value from every delivery, cab ride or other platform-based service would be contributed towards their welfare.
The companies would deposit the amount with the Telangana Gig Workers Board, which would transfer the funds directly into workers’ bank accounts, he said.
Drawing a comparison between the ideologies of the Congress and BJP, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP and RSS viewed gig workers as bonded labourers, while the Congress considered them partners in the economy and recognised their contribution to the nation.
He alleged that the BJP’s approach favoured big corporate houses, including Ambani, Adani, Uber and Ola, whereas the Congress wanted workers to receive a fair share of the value generated through their labour.
Assuring the workers of continued support, he said the Congress party and the Telangana government would stand by them and strive to address the education and healthcare needs of their families.
“Gig workers need not worry. The Congress party stands with you and considers you partners,” he added.
Earlier, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi participated in a bike rally along with gig workers from Shilparamam to Jayabheri Grounds in Hyderabad.
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud and several state ministers also took part in the rally.
TNT TS
