10-minute delivery increasing pressure on gig workers, Centre must step in: Telangana labour minister

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], December 31 (ANI): Telangana Labour Minister Vivek Venkatswamy on Wednesday highlighted growing concerns among gig and platform workers about payment delays, working conditions, and social security, stressing the need for structured dialogue among stakeholders.
He said the state government has approved the Gig and Platform Workers Welfare Bill, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to worker protection and inclusive growth.
In a post on social media platform X, Venkatswamy, in a video message, said that gig workers from all over the country are suffering due to increasing aggressiveness from aggregators. He said that initially, when gig workers began working, they were earning good incomes and were able to satisfy both customers and aggregators. However, over a period of time, their income levels have gone down while work pressure has increased.
He noted that the introduction of 10-minute delivery timelines has added pressure on gig workers. As a result, they are not earning enough, lack job security, and lack access to adequate healthcare facilities. He said that in case of accidents while delivering goods, gig workers are left vulnerable without proper support.
"Gig workers are suffering due to the increasing aggressiveness of aggregators. Initially, when they started working, they earned good incomes and were able to satisfy both customers and aggregators. However, over time, their income levels have come down while work pressure has increased. The 10-minute delivery system has added further pressure on them. They do not have stable income, job security or proper health facilities. If they meet with an accident while delivering goods, they are left without support, " he said.
Venkatswamy said the Telangana government has formed a Gig Workers Act to ensure that their rights are protected. He further said that it is now up to the Central government to pressure aggregators and safeguard the interests of gig workers.
"The Telangana government has formed a Gig Workers Act to ensure their protection. A board has also been set up where workers can raise their concerns if they are unfairly removed from the rolls. We are also ensuring their health and safety. Now, it is for the Central government to put pressure on aggregators and safeguard the interests of gig workers," Dr Vivek Venkatswamy said in a Video message.
Earlier today, Platform-based delivery workers affiliated with the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) observed a nationwide strike on Wednesday, protesting against unfair working conditions, low wages, and the absence of social security, warning that delivery services may be severely disrupted during peak hours. (ANI)