Telangana Gig Workers Bill, 2026

Telangana has passed the Telangana Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2026 aimed at regulating gig work and protecting gig workers' rights. This bill is similar to those passed in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Bihar.

Key Features of the Bill

• Introduced by Labour, Employment and Mines Minister Dr. G Vivek Venkataswamy.
• Aims to provide legal recognition to gig workers and safeguard their rights, dignity, and livelihood.
• Requires platform companies to submit details and file electronic returns of transactions every three months.
• Imposes a 1-2% levy on transactions for a welfare fund.
• Strict penalties for non-compliance, escalating from Rs 50,000 to five times the arrears.
• Formation of a special welfare board to manage the welfare fund, providing insurance, pension, and maternity benefits.
• Every gig worker to receive a unique ID.
• Platform-level committees with special officers to resolve complaints promptly.
• Mandates transparency in salary and deduction policies and restricts arbitrary algorithm use affecting workers.

Consultation and Public Feedback

Before introducing the Bill, the government consulted gig worker unions, incorporating 65 suggestions received during the public consultation phase.

Impact and Benefits

The Bill is expected to benefit over 4 lakh gig workers, including delivery riders and cab drivers, by ensuring social security, insurance, and fair working conditions.

Comparison with Other States

Similar legislation has been enacted in Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Karnataka, focusing on registration, social security, and health insurance for gig workers. Key features include:

• Rajasthan: First to pass the law, mandates gig worker registration, a welfare board, and imposes penalties for violations.
• Bihar: Includes Provident Fund, maternity benefits, and old-age protection. Requires Aadhaar-based registration for workers above 16 years.
• Karnataka: Provides social security, insurance, and minimum wages through a welfare board.
• Jharkhand: Offers registration and ID for gig workers, linking welfare board to Labour Welfare Department’s Shramdaan Portal.

Implementation Challenges

Except for Jharkhand, other states face implementation challenges related to fee negotiations with aggregators and rule formulation. In Bihar and Rajasthan, progress stalled due to change in government and protests from gig workers.