The Telangana Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a Bill focused on improving welfare and social security for gig workers across the state.
State Labour Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy, while introducing the Telangana Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2026, said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had interacted with gig workers during the Bharat Jodo Yatra and listened closely to their concerns.
He said gig workers currently face issues such as lack of job security, absence of minimum wages and limited access to health services. Rahul had suggested that the government initiate discussions with aggregator companies and labour unions and bring a law ensuring their welfare.
Following this, Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy held meetings with aggregator platforms and worker representatives. Based on these discussions, the government prepared a draft Bill and placed it in the public domain for 30 days to invite feedback, the minister added.
The draft received 65 suggestions from stakeholders, after which the government conducted further consultations with aggregator companies before finalising the legislation.
Vivek said aggregator companies had expressed concerns about financial losses and possible additional burden if a heavy cess was imposed. However, the government convinced them about the importance of social security protection for gig workers. He informed the House that Telangana currently has nearly four lakh gig workers working across different digital platforms.
The Bill proposes setting up a welfare board consisting of representatives from aggregators, workers and the government to address issues affecting gig workers. Explaining the provisions, the minister said gig workers would have to register with the government to obtain a unique identification number. Both general and platform-specific social security schemes would then be extended to registered workers.
The government will also establish a grievance redressal system. Additionally, every aggregator platform employing at least 100 workers will be required to form an internal dispute resolution committee.
A dedicated social security and welfare fund will be created for gig workers. The Bill also includes provisions to impose penalties on aggregator companies in case of violations.
Replying to concerns raised by BJP MLA Palvai Harish Babu, CPI member Kunamneni Sambasiva Rao, AIMIM member Ahmed Bin Abdulla Balala and other legislators, Vivek said the government may introduce a dedicated helpline for gig workers.
He further said discussions would be held with banks to provide low-interest loans to gig workers. The government also plans to organise a round-table conference of unorganised workers to explore additional welfare measures.
Later, Congress member Revuri Prakash Reddy, who was presiding over the House, formally announced the passage of the Bill.
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