₹5L insurance: Rahul Gandhi's social security measures for gig workers
What's the story
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has announced a slew of social security measures for gig workers in Telangana. The announcement was made during the Bharat Summit at Hitech City, Hyderabad. The measures include ₹5 lakh accident insurance, ₹10 lakh health insurance, and dedicated Wi-Fi-enabled rest zones for gig workers. A mechanism to ensure 1% of every transaction goes toward their social security was also proposed.
Data rights
Workers to get access to their own data
Gandhi also stressed that gig workers should have access to data about their own work.
He said under the proposed legislation, workers would be able to see details of transactions, deliveries, working hours and payments on their phones.
"The data belongs to you, the labor is yours, but you were not even allowed to see your own data," he said.
Political contrast
Congress vs BJP-RSS
Gandhi also drew a political contrast between the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party-Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
He alleged that the latter wanted to turn gig workers into bonded laborers while big corporates benefited.
In contrast, he said, the Congress sees workers as partners in India's economy.
"Do not be afraid. The Telangana Government, Rahul Gandhi, Revanth Reddy, and the Congress team stand with you," he assured gig workers.
Commitment fulfilled
Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy speaks at event
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy also spoke at the event, reiterating that the Congress government had kept its promise to protect gig workers' rights and provide social security.
He recalled Gandhi's commitment during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2023, which highlighted issues faced by various sections of society.
"The Gandhi family stands by its word," Reddy said, emphasizing that a promise from Rahul Gandhi is "as good as a commitment written in golden letters."