Rahul Gandhi Announces Insurance, Pension Support for Telangana Gig Workers

Hyderabad: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, speaking at the launch of the Telangana gig workers scheme, said gig and platform workers would receive stronger social security protections, including accident insurance, health cover and benefits intended to support their financial future.

Rahul Gandhi said gig workers often face serious financial hardship when accidents or illness prevent them from working, affecting not only the workers but also their families.

He said the Telangana government would provide ₹5 lakh in accident insurance and ₹10 lakh in health insurance to gig workers under the welfare initiative.

Welfare Fund for Gig Workers

Rahul Gandhi also highlighted plans for longer-term social security, including pension-related support.

He said companies operating through digital platforms would contribute a portion of transactions towards a welfare mechanism for workers. Under Telangana’s gig worker legislation, platform aggregators are required to contribute through a welfare levy, with the law providing for a dedicated Gig and Platform Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Fund.

The legislation provides for the creation of a welfare board that can support benefits such as insurance, pension and maternity assistance. The framework also requires platform companies to submit transaction details and comply with welfare-fund obligations.

Telangana had earlier extended ₹5 lakh accidental insurance coverage to gig workers through a government order issued in December 2023.

Rahul Gandhi Targets BJP, RSS Over Gig Economy

During his speech, Rahul Gandhi also criticised the BJP and RSS, alleging that their economic approach favours large companies and wealthy business groups while leaving gig workers vulnerable to exploitation.

He argued that workers employed through platforms such as ride-hailing and delivery services should receive a fairer share of the economic value generated through their labour.

The Telangana initiative comes as governments across India increasingly focus on formal social-security mechanisms for gig and platform workers. The Union government also constituted a National Social Security Board for gig and platform workers in October 2026.