Ahead of the Assembly elections in Telangana, the demand for a social security framework for gig workers in the state has gained momentum.
The gig workers in Telangana are estimated to be about 4.2 lakh. The Telangana Gig And Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) are approaching various political parties on the issue.
Telangana is slated to go for polls on November 30.
The TGPWU has suggested the setting up of a tripartite board with the representation of aggregator companies, worker organisations and the government, IE report said.
“It has also sought the introduction of a welfare fee on each transaction generated in the platform, which could be deposited in a fund dedicated for ensuring provident fund, pension, insurance and other benefits for gig workers,” it said.
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The report quoting Shaik Salauddin, the TGPWU president, said that drivers and delivery partners continue to be among the exploited and vulnerable groups in the current economy.
“Given the Telangana government’s focus on IT and e-commerce platforms, the state should become a pioneer with a board for gig and platform-based workers,” he was quoted as having said.
“I am on the road for at least 16 hours a day. There is always pressure to reach the customer on time. Above all, if anything happens to me on the road, there is no one to take care of my family,” he said, as per the family.
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Another youngster, working with a bike sharing platform, quoted in the report said he was compelled to take up the gig work as he could not find regular jobs.
“There is always the fear of road accidents. There is no way we can afford medical treatment. There is a fear of pay cuts. There is no job security,” the above youngster was quoted in the report as having said.
The ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) led by Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao or KCR had made a pitch against the “exploitation of gig and platform workers” and even assured a comprehensive policy in this regard. However, the issue has not figured in the party’s poll manifesto.
