Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has expressed strong support for Telangana’s draft law aimed at protecting gig workers, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach. In a letter to Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee President Revanth Reddy, Gandhi urged for widespread consultations with all stakeholders, including workers, companies, and experts, to make the law robust and effective.
The draft law, designed to address exploitative work conditions in the gig economy, comes as Telangana prepares for elections. Gandhi highlighted the urgency of securing fair wages, adequate social security, and an effective grievance redressal mechanism for gig workers. He stated that the absence of such protections perpetuates “21st-century slavery,” leaving workers vulnerable to social and economic insecurities.
During his visit to Hyderabad, Gandhi interacted with gig workers, autorickshaw drivers, and sanitation workers to understand their concerns. Many gig workers shared grievances about declining earnings and the lack of insurance or financial security measures. Gandhi cited Rajasthan’s model gig workers’ law, introduced by the Congress government in 2023, as an example of successful regulation. Under the law, companies must deposit part of earnings into a social security fund, ensuring workers’ pensions and insurance across jobs.
Promising bold reforms, Gandhi assured workers of financial assistance and single-permit solutions for autorickshaw drivers, as outlined in Congress’ manifesto.
He proposed establishing a welfare board for gig workers, ensuring their rights and grievances are efficiently addressed through institutional mechanisms.
Gandhi commended Telangana’s vibrant consultation culture, urging similar dialogue for gig workers’ law to establish a landmark framework for India.
Labor welfare remains central to Congress’ campaign, focusing on championing workers’ rights across informal sectors, emphasizing transformative labor policies nationwide.
With Telangana elections approaching, the proposed gig workers’ law could significantly influence labor welfare debates and national policy developments.
