Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, joined a bike rally alongside gig workers in Hyderabad on Saturday. The event was held to mark the launch of the Telangana Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme.
Accompanied by Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and other Congress leaders, Mr. Gandhi rode pillion on a motorcycle during the event. According to The Times of India, the rally commenced at the Shilparamam government auditorium and concluded at the Jayabheri Ground in the city's Madhapur IT corridor. The Hindu previously reported that the rally was scheduled to head toward the Hitex grounds.
Addressing the gig workers at the launch event, Mr. Gandhi stated that the Congress-led government was fulfilling its previous commitment to address their welfare concerns. He noted that he had consulted with workers who had shared their difficulties, prompting the party to pledge action on their behalf. The Telangana government enacted the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2026, in March, following advocacy from Mr. Gandhi during his Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy credited Labour Minister G. Vivek Venkataswamy with taking the initiative to formulate the policy, which is designed to provide institutional support to those in the gig economy, including food delivery staff, couriers, drivers, and domestic workers.
Key facts
- Rahul Gandhi and A. Revanth Reddy participated in a bike rally to launch a new gig worker welfare scheme.
- The rally traveled from Shilparamam to the Jayabheri Ground in Madhapur, Hyderabad.
- The Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Bill was enacted in March 2026.
- The policy initiative was spurred by discussions held during Mr. Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Why it matters
The new welfare scheme aims to provide social security and legal protections to thousands of workers in the gig economy, who previously lacked institutional support. The policy is intended to address their specific welfare demands, ensuring improved job security and health and safety protections for delivery and service staff across the state.
Background
The state government's decision to formalize this policy stems from assurances given by Mr. Gandhi to gig workers regarding their working conditions and lack of formal protection during his earlier nationwide tour.
Source: Times of India, The Hindu
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