Telangana grants Rs 5 lakh aid to families of deceased Gig and Platform Workers
HYDERABAD: In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the Government of Telangana provided Rs 5 lakh in financial assistance to the families of deceased gig and platform workers, acknowledging their contributions and the challenges they faced.
The rollout of this support has already begun. Cheques are being distributed to the families of five gig and platform workers who lost their lives in road accidents while on duty.
Behind this achievement stands the determined advocacy of workers’ representatives. This milestone was made possible by the ongoing efforts of Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU), who consistently advocated for justice and social security for gig workers and their families with the Chief Minister of Telangana, A Revanth Reddy, and Labour Minister G Vivek Venkataswamy.
As a result, each affected family will receive a total of Rs 15 lakh including Rs 10 lakh from the respective platform companies and Rs 5 lakh from the Government of Telangana. Minister Vivek commended Shaik Salauddin, President of TGPWU, and noted that the union’s ongoing engagement with the Chief Minister’s Office and Labour Department officials enabled this initiative.
The announcement has been met with celebration in the gig worker community. Shaik Salauddin said that this support marks a historic victory for gig and platform workers in India and demonstrates the Telangana Government’s commitment to their welfare and dignity.
Looking forward, TGPWU remains committed to further advocacy. He reiterated that TGPWU will continue advocating for comprehensive social security, accident insurance, welfare measures, and legal protections for all gig and platform workers.
The deceased gig and platform workers list includes Ahmed Bin Abdul Khader (Swiggy Delivery Worker), G. Shyam Sundar (Uber Bike Taxi Driver), Lokurthi Naresh (Zomato Delivery Worker), Garlapati Shashidhar Reddy (Taxi Driver), and Daravath Mahesh (Blinkit Delivery Worker).
