In a major step toward securing labor rights in the digital economy, the Government of Telangana has issued a draft bill titled The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025 on April 16, 2025. This landmark legislation aims to provide comprehensive social security, health, safety, and welfare measures for gig and platform workers across the state.
Key Highlights of the Bill:
🔹 Scope and Applicability
- Applies to all aggregators, platforms, and primary employers operating in Telangana, including those based outside the state but delivering services within it.
- Covers all gig and platform workers registered with the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Welfare Board.
🔹 Rights of Workers
- Mandatory registration of every gig/platform worker on being onboarded by any platform, with issuance of a Unique Identification Number (UID).
- Access to social security schemes subject to a minimum level of gig activity.
- Right to grievance redressal under a dedicated mechanism established by the Board.
🔹 Formation of Welfare Board
- A dedicated Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Welfare Board will be set up with headquarters in Hyderabad.
- The Board will oversee implementation of welfare schemes, worker registration, and aggregator compliance.
🔹 Aggregator Obligations
- Aggregators/platforms must register with the Board within 45 days of the Act’s commencement.
- Must submit databases of gig workers and regularly update them every quarter.
- Platforms are required to maintain transparency in automated systems (such as fare decisions, feedback algorithms), and explain them in simple language known to the worker.
🔹 Protection from Discrimination
- Platforms must take active steps to prevent discrimination based on religion, caste, gender, disability, or place of birth, especially by automated systems.
This draft Act is a pioneering move, making Telangana one of the first Indian states to formally propose a comprehensive legal framework for gig economy workers, who have so far operated in a largely unregulated environment.
The bill emphasizes the need for fairness, security, and dignity for digital-age labor, signaling a shift toward more inclusive labor governance. Public feedback on the draft is expected before it is finalized and enacted.
