'We Will Make You Our Partners' | Rahul Gandhi Launches Telangana Gig Workers' Welfare Scheme With Insurance and Data Rights

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi formally launched the Telangana Gig Workers' Social Security and Welfare Scheme in Hyderabad, guaranteeing platform workers data ownership, Rs 15 lakh in combined insurance cover, and dedicated urban rest zones.

Addressing a gathering of gig workers alongside Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and senior Congress leaders, Gandhi stated that the state government was delivering on its earlier commitment to safeguard platform labourers. Recalling previous meetings where delivery executives and drivers shared their grievances, the Congress leader stressed that the administration was translating those assurances into law.

"The Congress Party, our Chief Minister, all of us promised you that we would act on your demands. This was our promise, and today we are fulfilling it," Gandhi told the crowd.

Putting Data Back in Workers' Hands

Highlighting the role of digital information in the modern economy, Gandhi pointed out that major ride-hailing and delivery platforms such as Uber rely entirely on the data generated by their workforce. Until now, workers lacked direct access to records of their own rides, deliveries, hours logged, and earnings.

Under the new legislation, platform workers will receive this operational data directly on their mobile phones. This measure is designed to give workers transparency and control over their daily output and the payments they receive.

To improve daily working conditions, the Leader of Opposition also announced the establishment of Wi-Fi-enabled rest zones across Hyderabad and other cities. These facilities will allow workers to park their vehicles, take breaks, and recover from long hours spent working in harsh weather conditions.

Comprehensive Insurance and Pension Security

The welfare scheme introduces concrete financial protections for platform workers and their families, structured around three primary pillars:

• Accident Insurance: Every registered gig worker will receive Rs 5 lakh in accident coverage.
• Health Coverage: Workers will be entitled to Rs 10 lakh in health insurance.
• Savings and Pension: One per cent of every transaction—whether a passenger ride or a food delivery—will be routed to a dedicated workers' welfare board and subsequently deposited into the individual's bank account to build long-term savings and pension security.

Sharp Ideological Contrast

During his address, Gandhi framed the welfare rollout as a clash between two distinct political philosophies governing India's workforce.

He alleged that the mindset associated with the BJP and RSS treats workers as bonded labour, extracting their blood and sweat to enrich billionaires and large corporate platforms. In contrast, he positioned the Congress approach as one that views gig workers and labourers as the foundation of the nation, seeking an equal partnership with them.

"We will make you our partners. We will take full responsibility for your families' education and health," Gandhi assured the gathering, urging workers not to panic as the state rolls out the support framework. He concluded his remarks by thanking the gig workers for their support and extending solidarity to them and their families.