Congress treats gig workers as partners, says Rahul Gandhi

Hyderabad: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Saturday described gig workers as the foundation of the nation, asserting that while the Congress party treats them as partners, the BJP-RSS ideology views them as slaves. He assured gig workers in Telangana of comprehensive support, including social security, insurance, education and healthcare facilities for their families.

Speaking at the launch of the social security and welfare scheme for gig workers in Telangana, Rahul Gandhi praised the State government for introducing the Gig Workers Act and constituting the Gig Workers Board to safeguard their rights and welfare.

Highlighting the challenges faced by gig workers in the digital economy, he said that although the 21st century was driven by data, workers employed by major platforms had little access to information about their own performance, deliveries, rides, working hours, earnings and payments. While companies such as Google, Facebook, WhatsApp and Uber operated on data, gig workers were denied access to their own work-related information.

He said the Telangana legislation would ensure workers' right to access such data through their mobile phones, enabling them to track their deliveries, rides, transactions and payments.

Recalling his interaction with gig workers in Telangana, Rahul Gandhi said they had shared their hardships and struggles with him. "I, along with the Congress party and our Chief Minister, promised that we would provide them with support, security and protection. Today, we are fulfilling that promise," he said.

He also highlighted the government's plan to establish Wi-Fi-enabled rest zones across Telangana, including Hyderabad, where gig workers could park their vehicles, relax and take breaks after spending long hours on the roads.

Explaining the insurance benefits, he said the government was providing Rs. 5 lakh accidental insurance and Rs. 10 lakh health insurance coverage to every gig worker to protect their families from financial distress arising from accidents or illness.

Stressing the need for pension and long-term social security, Rahul Gandhi said one per cent of the transaction value from services such as food deliveries and cab rides would be contributed towards workers' future security. Companies would deposit the amount with the Telangana Gig Workers Board, which would transfer the funds directly to workers' bank accounts.

Drawing a contrast between the two parties, Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP and RSS wanted gig workers to toil round the clock while the benefits of their labour went to billionaires and corporate companies such as Ambani, Adani, Uber and Ola.

In contrast, he said the Congress considered workers the foundation of the country and believed they deserved dignity, security and a fair share of their earnings.

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Venkateshwarlu Kolishetty

Venkateshwarlu Kolishetty