Hyderabad: Telangana Labour Minister Vivek Venkatswamy on Tuesday announced that the state government is preparing to introduce the Gig Workers Act, aimed at extending legal protection and welfare benefits to gig and platform workers. The legislation, he said, will ensure compulsory registration of gig workers and safeguard them from unfair dismissal.
“We have studied how the Gig Workers Act should be implemented and how gig workers can be protected. A board is being formed, and all gig workers will be registered. No one can be terminated arbitrarily unless there is a serious issue. We will soon introduce the bill in the assembly,” Venkatswamy told reporters.
India’s rapidly expanding gig workforce has been a major driver of new-age economic activity, supported by its large labour base, young population, accelerating urbanisation, and widespread digital adoption. The gig and platform economy is generating fresh employment in ridesharing, delivery services, logistics, and various professional services. According to NITI Aayog, the sector is expected to employ over 1 crore workers in 2024–25, growing to nearly 2.35 crore by 2029–30.
The Centre had earlier passed the Code on Social Security, 2020, which for the first time formally defined gig and platform workers and extended social security measures including life and disability cover, accident insurance, health and maternity benefits, and old-age protection.
In addition to the legislative update, Minister Venkatswamy announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh for the families of Indian Umrah pilgrims from Telangana who lost their lives in a tragic bus accident in Saudi Arabia.
He said a high-level delegation led by Azharuddin will travel to Saudi Arabia to assist affected families and investigate the incident. “The incident is deeply regrettable. The cabinet has decided to send a high-level team and provide ex-gratia support. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families,” he added.
According to Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar, at least 45 Indian Umrah pilgrims from Hyderabad and other parts of the country died after their bus collided with an oil tanker near Medina. The vehicle was engulfed in flames within minutes. Only one passenger, Md Abdul Shoaib, survived and remains in critical condition in a Saudi hospital ICU.
The Telangana government has confirmed an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh each to the families of all the deceased.
