In a landmark welfare initiative, the Telangana government has announced financial assistance for families of deceased gig and platform workers. Under this scheme, families of workers who die in road accidents while on duty will receive ₹5 lakh from the state government. Additionally, companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, and Blinkit will contribute ₹10 lakh, bringing the total compensation to ₹15 lakh.
This is considered the first initiative of its kind in India aimed specifically at gig workers, a rapidly growing segment of the workforce in the digital economy. The move highlights increasing recognition of gig workers, who often lack formal employment benefits such as insurance, job security, or pensions.
The policy was strongly supported by the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), whose president Shaik Salauddin played a key role in advocating for worker protections. Labour Minister G. Vivek Venkataswamy acknowledged the union’s efforts and described the decision as a progressive step toward social security for gig workers.
Experts believe this initiative could set a precedent for other states to follow. With the rise of app-based services, millions depend on gig work for income, yet they remain vulnerable to accidents and income loss.
While the announcement has been widely welcomed, there are also calls for further reforms. Worker groups are demanding additional protections, including accident insurance, pension schemes, and legal recognition of gig workers as employees or dependent contractors.
Overall, the scheme represents a major step toward improving labour welfare in India’s evolving digital economy, especially in a major tech-driven city like Hyderabad.
News as reported
