Gig workers in Telangana now covered for accidents up to Rs 5 lakhs

Hyderabad: In a strategic move to fortify social security for all sections, the Labour, Employment, Training and Factories Department of Telangana State will now be providing gig and platform workers Rs 5,00,000 as accidental death insurance coverage.

The was initially tailored for transport and non-transport auto drivers, home guards, and working journalists and is now extended to include gig workers.

This decision is built on the earlier initiatives outlined in GO 20, GO 24, GO 18, and GO 22.

“Our aim is to ensure that the protective mantle of social security is extended to all segments of our working population, fostering a sense of financial security,” a government release on the initiative stated.

Under the expanded scheme, gig and platform workers stand to gain from the same Rs 5,00,000 accidental death insurance coverage previously availed by auto drivers, home guards, and working journalists. The State government continues to shoulder the entire premium cost for this comprehensive coverage.

The official notification, grounded in the powers vested by the unorganised workers’ social security Act, 2008 (Central Act No.33 of 2008), designates the commissioner of transport as the master policyholder.

The appointment of assistant motor vehicle inspectors of the Transport Department as the registering authority and claim receiving authority underscores the planning behind the extension for gig and platform workers in Telangana State.

“This progressive step signifies our commitment to creating a safety net for workers navigating the dynamic landscape of gig and platform employment. We believe in providing a shield of financial protection against unforeseen challenges,” said the commissioner of labour of Telangana, Hyderabad.

While specific statistics on current beneficiaries and registered workers are not disclosed, the decision to include gig and platform workers implies a proactive stance toward a more encompassing social security framework.

When asked about the registration process, the commissioner of labour, Telangana, Hyderabad, said, “We are actively working on creating a seamless registration process for gig and platform workers. Regular updates will be disseminated through official channels, ensuring a transparent and accessible pathway for interested workers.”

In case of an unfortunate accidental death, the streamlined claim process, overseen by the commissioner of Transport and Assistant Motor Vehicle inspectors, aims to provide timely assistance to the beneficiaries.

As the commissioner notes, “Efficient claim procedures are pivotal in offering the necessary support during challenging times, and we are committed to ensuring a swift and compassionate claims process.”

Earlier, extending state benefits for gig workers in the unorganised jobs sector, chief minister A Revanth Reddy announced a Rs 5 lakh insurance policy on accidents for cab drivers, food delivery boys, and auto drivers and also medical care up to Rs 10 lakhs under the Rajiv Aarogyasri scheme.

The CM instructed the officials to extend Rs 2 lakhs financial assistance to the family of a Swiggy delivery agent who died falling from the top of a building while escaping a chasing dog. The CM also assured to make available an application that is being developed by T-Hub on the lines of Ola.