Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday said the Telangana govt has fulfilled Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s promise to provide legal protection and welfare benefits to gig workers by introducing a dedicated law, claimed to be the first of its kind in the country.Addressing a public meeting of gig workers at Jayabheri Grounds on Saturday, along with Rahul Gandhi, Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud and other ministers and public representatives, the CM said the Gandhi family has a long-standing tradition of honouring commitments made to the people.Revanth Reddy recalled that during the Bharat Jodo Yatra in 2023, Rahul Gandhi travelled nearly 4,000 kilometres from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, interacting with people from different walks of life and understanding their concerns firsthand. During the yatra’s visit to Hyderabad, gig workers met Rahul Gandhi and highlighted the challenges they faced, including the lack of social security, income protection and legal recognition.“Rahul Gandhi listened to their concerns and assured them that a Congress govt in Telangana would bring a special law for their protection. Today, that promise has been fulfilled,” the Chief Minister said.He expressed happiness that the implementation of the new legislation was formally launched by Rahul Gandhi on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.Highlighting the benefits under the new framework, Revanth Reddy said gig workers would receive life insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh and health insurance up to ₹10 lakh under the Aarogyasri scheme. These measures, he said, were designed to provide financial security to workers and their families during accidents, illness or other emergencies.The CM also announced the establishment of a dedicated Gig Workers’ Welfare Board. Under the new system, workers will be issued identity cards and unique identification numbers, ensuring official recognition and access to welfare benefits. He said the legislation would provide a structured mechanism to safeguard workers’ rights, welfare and income security.Revanth Reddy stressed that the govt was committed to standing by gig workers and ensuring that the benefits envisioned under the law reached them effectively.He credited social activist Nikhil Dey and others for their contribution to the drafting and implementation of the legislation, describing their support as invaluable and free from vested interests.The CM said the govt viewed the implementation of Rahul Gandhi’s assurance as a responsibility and reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of gig workers in the years ahead.ends/
