Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is currently on a visit to Telangana, interacted with auto drivers, gig workers and sanitary workers on Tuesday in Hyderabad’s Jubilee Hills. During the interaction the Congress leader listened to the woes of the workers. A food delivery man raised a concern about how he has to make at least 30 to 32 deliveries and one litre of petrol costs him about Rs. 110, which doesn’t leave him with much of profit at the end of the day.
He said that he hopes the next government would do something about the cost of fuel. Another worker appealed that the Congress government should raise the accident insurance and PF for gig works as well. He also said that currently they make Rs. 5 per km but it should be at least around Rs. 8-10 per km.
Rahul Gandhi assured the workers saying, “If Congress is voted to power in Telangana, it will consider bringing in legislation for the welfare of Gig workers on the lines of a law passed recently in Rajasthan.”
He told them that after the Congress comes to power, the chief minister and minister concerned will hold a meeting with them and decide on the welfare measures for them.
In a video shared on X, formerly Twitter, the Congress wrote that “In Rajasthan we have created a category of gig workers. Whenever an order comes in, some of its money goes towards your social security like insurance, pension on behalf of the company.”
“Similarly, after the formation of Congress government in Telangana, you will have talks with the Chief Minister and the Cabinet and will find a solution to your problem.” it further stated.
Following Rahul Gandhi's meet with the gig worker, sanitation workers and auto driver. He took an auto ride in Jubilee Hills.
According to The Indian Express, the Karnataka government has prolonged its provision of a Rs 4 lakh accident and life insurance cover for gig workers. Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, gig workers have been granted specific "rights" which include registration with the state, access to both general and specialised social security schemes, and the chance to voice grievances. Additionally, the Rajasthan law introduces the Platform Based Gig Workers Welfare Board as a significant component.
There are an estimated 4.2 lakh gig workers in Telangana and there has been an increasing demand for a similar social security.
Rahul’s meeting on Tuesday comes a couple of days after state minister K T Rama Rao, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao’s son met gig workers.
The state is going to the polls on November 30 and the counting of votes will take place on December 3.