Telangana has taken a major step forward in protecting gig economy workers. The state cabinet has given its approval to a groundbreaking bill that will provide security and benefits to platform workers across the region.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy led the cabinet session that cleared the Telangana Gig Platform Workers Registration, Social Security and Welfare Bill on Monday. This legislation marks a significant milestone for worker protection in India’s growing gig economy.
Labour Minister Gaddam Vivek Venkataswamy announced that lawmakers will introduce the bill during the next assembly session. He emphasized that this legislation represents the first major effort to address challenges facing gig workers in the state.
The new law will establish a tripartite board with equal representation from three key groups: gig workers’ unions, platform companies, and government officials. This board will oversee worker welfare programs and ensure fair treatment across the industry.
Platform companies must now register all their gig workers under the proposed legislation. The law also creates a dedicated welfare fund that the tripartite board will manage to support workers in need.
Telangana is home to approximately 4.2 lakh gig workers who will benefit from this protective legislation. These workers operate across various sectors including food delivery, transportation, and package services throughout the state.
The Chief Minister first announced plans for this legislation in April, describing it as a model that other Indian states should follow. The Labour Department developed the initial draft to provide job security, insurance coverage, and essential rights to platform workers.
During an April 14 meeting, Revanth Reddy requested several modifications to strengthen the bill. He stressed the importance of balancing worker safety with smooth cooperation between companies and platform aggregators.
Officials originally planned to pass the bill on May 1, International Labour Day, but needed additional time to finalize all provisions. The government collected public feedback after posting the draft online for review.
Telangana already leads the nation in gig worker protection. The state became the first to provide accidental insurance coverage for platform workers, offering Rs 5 lakh in death benefits since December 30, 2023.
The Chief Minister noted that this legislation fulfills a key campaign promise made before the recent elections. The government committed to creating comprehensive safety measures for the state’s growing gig workforce.
This bill positions Telangana as a pioneer in gig worker rights, potentially influencing similar legislation across India. The comprehensive approach addresses registration, welfare, and safety concerns that platform workers face daily.
