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Telangana Passes Landmark Bills for Gig Worker Welfare and Advocate Protection

The Telangana Assembly passed two significant bills aimed at worker and professional welfare. The Platform-Based Gig Workers Bill establishes a social security board, mandates platform contributions to a welfare fund, and creates a grievance mechanism. The Advocates Protection Bill provides legal safeguards, police protection, and a redressal system for lawyers facing threats. These laws mark a major step in formalizing protections for two key groups in the state.

Key Points: Telangana Passes Social Security for Gig Workers, Safety for Advocates

  • Social security board for gig workers
  • 1-2% platform fee for welfare fund
  • Penalties for aggregator non-compliance
  • Legal protection for advocates
  • Dedicated grievance redressal systems
3 min read

Telangana passes bills for social security to gig workers, protection to advocates​

Telangana Assembly passes two key bills ensuring social security for platform-based gig workers and legal protection for advocates against attacks.

"app-based delivery, mobility and service workers will be brought under a structured welfare and social security framework - Labour Minister G. Vivek Venkataswamy"

Hyderabad, March 30

The Telangana Assembly on Monday passed two key Bills - one aimed at ensuring social security for gig workers and the other to protect advocates.​

The Telangana Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2026, and the Telangana Advocates Protection Bill, 2026, were passed by the House by a voice vote.​

The Telangana Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2026, introduces a structured system to provide social security and legal recognition to thousands of platform-based gig workers.​

The Bill mandates the creation of a dedicated Social Security and Welfare Board to register workers and oversee benefits. Each registered worker will be assigned a unique ID, enabling better tracking of benefits and ensuring transparency across platforms.​

Labour Minister G. Vivek Venkataswamy, who piloted the Bill, stated that app-based delivery, mobility and service workers will be brought under a structured welfare and social security framework.​

If gig workers are not protected, penalties will be levied on aggregators. Aggregators are also required to contribute 1 to 2 per cent of their transaction value to the welfare fund, which will be used to finance insurance, accident cover, pensions and maternity benefits.​

A structured grievance redressal mechanism will also be developed, with platform-level committees and district authorities empowered to resolve disputes.​

Digital platform companies will be required to regularly submit operational data. Strict penalties have been outlined for non-compliance, with fines increasing for repeated violations to ensure compliance.​

The companies will also have to clearly inform workers about payments and deductions.​

The Assembly also passed the Telangana Advocates Protection Bill, 2026, to protect advocates amid increasing attacks on them.​

This legislation aims to provide police protection for advocates; safeguards against false cases, conspiracies, and harassment; a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism; and protection from threats and retaliatory attacks while discharging professional duties.​

Minister for industries, information technology and legislative affairs D. Sridhar Babu, who introduced the Bill, termed it a big step for the safety of advocates.​

He said the Bill was drafted following the Bar Council of Telangana's resolution and input from high court bar associations, legal forums, and the legal community.​

He stated that this law ensures professional safety and security for advocates while strengthening their confidence. This step reinforces the importance of the legal profession and empowers advocates to serve justice without fear, he said.​

Sridhar Babu said that after Karnataka and Rajasthan, Telangana is among the states to introduce such a law. The Bar Council of India also prepared a draft in 2021 to address advocate safety, and the Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court had emphasised the need for a special law.​

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Finally, some recognition for gig workers! The unique ID and mandatory contribution from aggregators (1-2%) are key. But the real test will be implementation. Will these companies actually comply, or find loopholes? The government must ensure strict monitoring.
A
Arjun K
Protecting advocates is equally important. In today's climate, lawyers handling sensitive cases often face threats. This law should give them confidence to do their duty without fear. Telangana is setting a good example for judicial security.
M
Michael C
Interesting development. While the intent is good, I'm concerned about the potential cost burden on platforms being passed down to consumers through higher delivery fees. The economic balance needs to be watched closely.
P
Priya S
Maternity benefits for gig workers! This is a game-changer for women in this sector. So many women drive autos or deliver for apps. This kind of social security can truly empower them. Kudos for thinking inclusively.
K
Karthik V
Good step, but I hope the grievance redressal mechanism is actually efficient. Government committees can be slow. These workers need quick resolutions for payment disputes or unfair deactivation. The law's success hinges on its execution on the ground.

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