Union leaders and delegation from five states including Telangana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Maharashtra raised the concern of proper implementation of platform worker welfare policies.
Amid growing unrest between gig workers and platforms, multiple gig and platform worker unions met with Rahul Gandhi, the twelfth leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, yesterday to discuss the need for policies for gig workers.
Telangana Gig And Platform Workers Union’s (TGPWU) founder Sheikh Salahuddin told Inc42 that the primary agenda behind the meeting was to urge Gandhi to help raise the concern of proper implementation of platform worker welfare policies’ across the country.
“We asked for a comprehensive law like Karnataka in other Congress-led states like Telangana. Gandhi took note of all the demands and issues which were raised and said that he’ll look after it,”
Salahuddin added.
Union leaders and delegation from five states including Telangana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and Maharashtra were present at the meeting.
Earlier, the TGPWU and the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT) announced a planned nation-wide “Breakdown” on February 7, 2026. On that day, drivers working for ride-hailing platforms like from Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Porter gathered at the Jantar Mantar complex in New Delhi. The breakdown affected the operation of cabs, autos and bike taxis across the country.
“Despite the guidelines, aggregator companies continue to unilaterally fix fares, pushing workers into unsustainable working conditions,”
TGPWU added.
According to the Economic Survey 2025-26, the number of platform workers increased from 7.7 million in FY21 to nearly 12 million in FY25, accounting for over 2% of the country’s total workforce now. The sector is projected to contribute around INR 2.35 trillion to GDP by the end of the decade.
The Union demanded that state and central governments fix minimum base fares in consultation with driver and workers unions on the basis of the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2025.
Earlier this week, Union minister Amit Shah unveiled India’s first government-backed ride hailing platform ‘Bharat Taxi’, which is based on a cooperative model. To participate, the drivers will be required to buy a minimum of 5 shares (worth ₹500 total), earning stakeholder perks like dividends, health insurance, and pensions. The model will work across two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and four-wheeler taxis.
Last year, the Union government introduced reforms to the labour codes, replacing 29 laws with a unified framework that standardises wages, expands social security and strengthens workplace norms. The Centre proposed a minimum 90-day work requirement for these workers to access certain employee benefits.
Source: Inc42
