Hyderabad, Nov 28: Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party, pledged on Tuesday that if the Congress secures victory in the Telangana elections, it will contemplate enacting legislation akin to the recent law passed in Rajasthan to safeguard the rights of gig workers.
During an interaction with gig workers in Jubilee Hills constituency, Gandhi assured them that the chief minister and relevant ministers would convene a meeting post the party’s assumption of power to devise comprehensive welfare measures for gig workers.
Accompanied by the state Congress working president, Mohammed Azharuddin, Gandhi engaged in discussions with gig workers, autorickshaw drivers, and sanitary workers. He highlighted the positive impact of the legislation in Rajasthan, where companies deposit funds for social security measures like pension and insurance for every order.
Gandhi emphasized the portability of savings for gig workers who transition between companies, ensuring that their financial accumulations persist and grow. Proposing the establishment of a welfare board for gig workers, he sought to address the myriad challenges they face daily.
Gig workers expressed concerns about diminishing earnings per order, escalating fuel costs, inadequate delivery charges, and the absence of insurance coverage for accidents. Gandhi acknowledged their plight, characterizing it as a form of “21st-century slavery” resulting from the precarious balance between companies and customers.
Addressing the issues faced by autorickshaw drivers, Gandhi highlighted the Congress party’s commitment to providing Rs 12,000 in financial assistance and implementing a single permit system, along with a one-time settlement of pending traffic challans with a 50 percent discount.
Sanitation workers on contract terms also shared their challenges related to job insecurity and lack of benefits. Gandhi assured them that, if elected to power, the Congress-led government would prioritize their concerns, with the chief minister personally engaging in a meeting to devise measures for their welfare.
