Telangana Passes Gig Workers Welfare Bill

In a landmark step for the rights and security of gig workers, the Telangana Assembly today passed the Telangana Platform-Based Gig Workers Registration, Social Security and Welfare Bill, 2026.

Labour, Employment and Mines Minister Dr G Vivek Venkataswamy, who introduced the Bill, said that the government had brought the legislation to give legal recognition to gig workers in the digital economy and protect their rights, dignity and livelihood.

As per the Bill, platform companies will have to submit details regularly and file electronic returns every three months about gig workers employed. Strict penalties have been prescribed for non-compliance - Rs 50,000 for the first violation, Rs 1 lakh for the second, Rs 1.5 lakh for the third, and up to five times the arrears thereafter.

A special Welfare Board will be constituted for gig workers. The Welfare Board will have 20 members, including representatives of gig worker aggregators, and will meet annually. Platform-level committees with special officers will be formed to resolve complaints quickly.

Every registered gig worker will be given a unique ID by the Board. A welfare fund will be created through a 1-2% levy on transactions, from which insurance, pension and maternity benefits will be provided. A maximum of 5% of the fund can be used for the Board's operating expenses, he said.

The Bill also mandates transparent policies - platforms must clearly disclose salary and deduction details, and there can be no arbitrary use of algorithms that affect workers.

The minister informed the Assembly that the government first discussed the problems of the gig workers with unions and then prepared a draft Bill, which was placed in the public domain for 30 days.

"As many as 65 suggestions were received and incorporated. I had personally held five meetings since taking charge as minister to address the concerns of the unions," he said.

The Bill was expected to benefit lakhs of delivery riders, cab drivers and other platform workers across the State, the minister said. "Through this Bill, we are ensuring the security and rights for gig workers who are an important part of the digital economy," he said.