In what is claimed to be a first-of-its-kind nationwide initiative, the Telangana government announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of deceased gig and platform workers, acknowledging their contribution to the rapidly growing digital economy.
Details of the Assistance
The initiative covers gig workers who lost their lives in road accidents while on duty. In addition to the government's support, the families will receive Rs 10 lakh compensation from respective platform companies, taking the total assistance to Rs 15 lakh per family. The beneficiaries include delivery and transport workers associated with e-commerce platforms such as Swiggy, Uber, Zomato, and Blinkit.
Background and Advocacy
Earlier, Shaik Salauddin, founder president of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), raised the issue of social security for gig workers with Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. Speaking on the occasion, Labour Minister G Vivek Venkataswamy appreciated the union's persistent follow-up with the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) and labour department, stating that it played a key role in making the initiative possible.
Union's Response
Salauddin described the move as a 'historic victory' for gig and platform workers, highlighting the need for structured welfare measures in the sector. 'The union would continue to push for comprehensive social security, including accident insurance, welfare benefits and legal protections for gig workers,' he added.
