The Leader of the Opposition announced insurance, pension, and data access rights for platform workers at the Bharat Summit 2026.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched the Telangana Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme in Hyderabad on Saturday. According to reports from The Economic Times, The New Indian Express, and India TV, the launch took place at the Bharat Summit 2026 and Jayabheri grounds in Madhapur alongside Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.
The scheme provides gig workers with Rs 5 lakh in accident insurance and Rs 10 lakh in health insurance. Gandhi stated that one per cent of the value from every delivery and transportation transaction will be contributed to a welfare fund. This money will be deposited with the Gig Workers’ Welfare Board and then credited directly to workers' bank accounts.
Other features of the initiative include legal rights to personal work data, pension benefits, and the establishment of rest centres equipped with Wi-Fi. Gandhi noted that workers previously lacked access to their own information regarding delivery timings, working hours, and payments.
During his address at the HICC Novotel, Gandhi also criticised individuals in business, academia, and politics whom he labelled as fascists. He claimed these individuals dominate conversations through volume and refuse to engage, noting that they capitalise on institutional breakdowns.
The Congress leader alleged that the RSS-BJP ideology promotes the exploitation of workers for the benefit of corporate groups such as Adani and Ambani. He contrasted this with the Congress belief that gig workers are partners in progress who deserve dignity and security.
