Telangana Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme

Introduction of Telangana Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme: A Brief Insight

A delivery partner or cab driver working through an app may spend ten hours a day earning a living, often without adequate social security or a clear way to resolve problems such as blocked accounts and payment deductions. The Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme, introduced by the Government of Telangana, aims to improve their working conditions and provide social security. It gives eligible workers a formal identity, access to a dedicated Welfare Board and Fund, and a system for raising complaints.

The Government of Telangana launched the scheme on 14 November 2026. During the launch, the Chief Minister announced ₹5 lakh life insurance coverage for every gig worker and ₹10 lakh health insurance coverage through Rajiv Aarogyasri. The Government also launched online registration for gig and platform workers and unveiled the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers Rules Book.

The scheme operates under the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2026, which is Act No. 21 of 2026. The State Assembly passed the Bill on 30 March 2026, the Governor gave assent on 25 April 2026, and the Telangana Gazette published the Act on 28 April 2026.

The Department of Labour, Government of Telangana, implements the scheme through the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Board. The Board has its headquarters in Hyderabad and is chaired by the State Labour Minister.

The main objective of the scheme is to provide legal recognition and social security to people who earn their livelihood through apps and digital platforms. It also aims to ensure fair treatment by platforms through written contracts, transparent payments, proper notice before termination and an effective grievance redressal system.

Every registered worker receives a Unique ID that remains valid across all platforms. This means a worker who provides services through multiple apps does not need a separate identity number for each platform. The Welfare Board uses the registration system to identify workers and provide access to applicable social security schemes.

The Welfare Board manages the schemes through a dedicated Welfare Fund. The Fund receives welfare fee contributions from platforms, scheme-specific contributions, government grants and money from corporate social responsibility funds, along with gifts and donations. The Board can spend a maximum of 5% of its annual receipts on administrative expenses.

The Act also protects workers against unfair payment deductions and arbitrary termination. A platform cannot deduct its welfare fee contribution from a worker’s earnings. It must explain payment deductions and provide a written reason with at least seven days’ notice before terminating a worker’s services, except when it identifies a threat to a customer. Platforms that violate the Act can face financial penalties starting at ₹50,000.

The scheme covers people who provide services through digital platforms under a contract and receive payment for their work. Its coverage includes ride-sharing, food and grocery delivery, logistics, online marketplaces, professional services, healthcare, travel and hospitality, content and media, and other platform-based services covered by the Act.

To access particular welfare benefits, workers may need to complete registration and meet the minimum transaction or job requirements prescribed by the Welfare Board. The Board will specify the applicable quarterly requirements for different schemes. However, the minimum transaction condition does not apply when a worker dies during the course of work.

Workers can get registered through their platforms or use the independent online registration facility launched by the Government. Platforms must share the details of their existing workers with the Board and provide details of newly onboarded workers within the prescribed time. Workers can also register independently by following the official registration instructions.

For assistance, workers can first contact their platform’s designated point of contact. They can also approach the Department of Labour, Government of Telangana, for scheme-related information and grievance support. The contact details and complaint procedure are explained in the relevant sections below.

Gig workers who want additional health coverage through the Government of India can explore the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Those looking for low-cost accident insurance can also check the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.

Workers who want life insurance coverage for their families can explore the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana. Women workers in Telangana can also learn about the benefits available under the Mahalakshmi Scheme.

Delivery partners, drivers, platform workers, women workers and other members of the informal workforce can explore more welfare initiatives through our dedicated List of Welfare Schemes of Telangana Government page.

Latest Update on Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme

The Government of Telangana launched the Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme on 14 November 2026, bringing the State’s gig worker welfare law into action. The Government also launched online registration for gig and platform workers and unveiled the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers Rules Book. The timeline below highlights the major developments leading up to the launch.

• Current Status of the Scheme: The Government launched the scheme and online registration on 14 November 2026. The launch also included the unveiling of the Rules Book. Workers should follow the official instructions for registration and check the Department of Labour website for details of the applicable welfare schemes.
• Central and State Welfare Frameworks: The Central Government’s Code on Social Security, 2020 provides a separate national framework for gig and platform workers. The Telangana Act establishes a State-level Welfare Board and Fund. The Telangana Act also provides for adjustment of the platform’s welfare fee against its contribution obligations under the Central Code, subject to the applicable provisions.
• Estimated Number of Gig Workers: Different estimates have placed the number of gig workers in Telangana at around three lakh to six lakh. The actual number of registered workers will become clearer as the registration process progresses.
• Important Details to Check: Workers should check the official rules and registration instructions, the applicable welfare fund fee, minimum quarterly transaction requirements, insurance claim conditions and the eligibility criteria for individual welfare schemes.
• Prepare Your Documents: Keep your Aadhaar details, mobile number, bank account information, platform worker IDs and transaction statements ready. You should also contact each platform to confirm whether it has shared your worker details with the Welfare Board.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The Telangana Government’s Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme provides social security, insurance coverage and workplace protection to gig and platform-based workers across the State. The Government of Telangana launched the scheme on 14 November 2026 under the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2026 (Act No. 21 of 2026).

At the launch, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced ₹5 lakh life insurance coverage for every gig worker and ₹10 lakh health insurance coverage through Rajiv Aarogyasri. The Government also launched the online registration facility and announced identity cards and a dedicated Welfare Board for registered workers.

Insurance and Social Security Benefits

• ₹5 Lakh Life Insurance to Every gig worker.
• Workers will receive health insurance coverage of up to ₹10 lakh through the Rajiv Aarogyasri scheme.
• Social Security Schemes: Registered workers can access welfare and social security schemes implemented through the Welfare Board.
• Group-specific Welfare Schemes: The Board can introduce dedicated welfare schemes for women, persons with disabilities and other eligible categories.

Registration and Identity Benefits

• Unique Identification: Every registered gig worker receives a Unique ID that remains valid across different platforms.
• Worker Identity Card: Registered workers receive a dedicated identity card.
• Online Registration: Workers can register through the online facility launched by the Telangana Government.
• Single Registration Across Platforms: Workers engaged with multiple platforms can maintain their registration through one Unique ID.
• Welfare Board Support: A dedicated Board oversees worker registration, welfare schemes, platform compliance and grievance redressal.

Workplace and Payment Protection

• Written Work Agreement: Platforms must provide workers with clear contractual terms covering payments, incentives, deductions and other work conditions.
• Notice Before Changes: Platforms must give at least 14 days’ notice before changing contractual terms or applicable automated systems.
• Right to Refuse Work: Workers can refuse assigned tasks without facing penalties, subject to the applicable provisions of the Act.
• Protection Against Arbitrary Termination: Platforms must provide a written reason and seven days’ notice before terminating a worker’s engagement, except in cases involving a threat to customer safety.
• Timely Payments: Platforms must pay workers according to their contractual terms and provide details of deductions.
• No Deduction of Welfare Fee: Platforms cannot recover their welfare fund contribution from payments due to workers.
• Protection Against Discrimination: Platforms must take steps to prevent discrimination through their automated systems based on religion, caste, gender, race, place of birth or disability.
• Workplace Safety: Platforms must follow applicable safety requirements and maintain a reasonably safe working environment.
• Language-based Support: Platforms must appoint a point of contact and provide a help facility to address workers’ queries in the prescribed languages.
• Standard Payment Rates: The State Government can prescribe standard rates of payment for all or specific categories of platform-based work.

Grievance Redressal and Dispute Resolution

• Grievance Redressal Officer: Workers can submit complaints against platforms through the designated grievance mechanism.
• 30-Day Resolution: The Grievance Redressal Officer must decide a complaint within 30 days.
• Right to Appeal: A worker can appeal against the decision within 90 days of the order.
• Internal Dispute Committee: Platforms with at least 100 registered workers in Telangana must establish an internal committee to resolve disputes.
• 30-Day Dispute Resolution: The internal dispute committee must resolve complaints within the prescribed period of 30 days.
• Worker Representation: Four representatives of platform workers participate in the Welfare Board, including at least one woman representative.

Benefits Provided Through the Welfare Board and Fund

• The Welfare Board registers gig workers and platforms and monitors compliance with the Act.
• The Welfare Fund receives contributions from platforms, government grants, scheme-specific contributions, CSR funds and donations.
• The Board can introduce and administer social security and welfare schemes for registered workers.
• The Board monitors welfare fund contributions and maintains records of payments and deductions through the prescribed verification system.
• The Accountant General of the State audits the Welfare Fund annually.

Penalties for Platforms That Violate the Act

• First Default: A fine of ₹50,000 for failure to deposit the applicable welfare fund fee.
• Second Default: A fine of ₹1 lakh.
• Third Default: A fine of ₹1.5 lakh.
• Subsequent Defaults: A penalty equal to five times the welfare fund fee due.
• Failure to Submit Returns: A fine of up to ₹50,000 for failure to submit the prescribed return or report.

How the Insurance Benefits Work

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announced both insurance benefits during the scheme’s launch on 14 November 2026. The Government’s announcement confirms the coverage amounts, while the detailed claim conditions, exclusions and insurance procedures will be governed by the applicable guidelines.

Important Points About the Benefits

• The scheme provides ₹5 lakh life insurance and ₹10 lakh health insurance coverage through Rajiv Aarogyasri.
• Workers must complete registration under the Telangana Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare framework to access the applicable benefits.
• The Unique ID provides a common identity across multiple digital platforms.
• Workers can use the grievance mechanism to raise complaints about payment deductions, contractual changes and termination.
• The scheme operates under the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2026.
• Workers should check the official registration portal and applicable guidelines for insurance enrolment and claim procedures.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

To qualify for the Government of Telangana’s Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme, a worker must meet the definition of a platform-based gig worker under the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2026 (Act No. 21 of 2026). The Act also specifies the registration requirements, platform responsibilities and conditions for receiving welfare benefits.

Who Is a Platform-Based Gig Worker?

• A person who receives work through an app or digital platform that connects customers with service providers.
• A person who earns payments under a contract, including piece-rate payments for each delivery, trip or completed task.
• A person engaged in ride-sharing, food and grocery delivery, logistics, online marketplaces, professional services, healthcare, travel and hospitality, content and media, or other notified platform-based services.
• A person who performs platform-based work outside the traditional employer-employee relationship.
• A person engaged in any additional activity that the Government of Telangana includes through an official notification.

Which Platforms Come Under the Act?

• Aggregators and digital platforms operating in Telangana.
• Platforms based in another State or outside India that provide covered services in Telangana.
• Platforms serving customers in Telangana, even if they do not maintain an office in the State.

Worker Registration Conditions

• The worker must be onboarded on a platform covered under the Act.
• The worker is eligible for registration from the date of onboarding.
• Both newly onboarded and existing platform workers can register.
• Each registered worker receives a Unique ID that remains valid across multiple platforms.
• The worker can register through the details submitted by the platform or through self-registration.

Conditions for Receiving Welfare Benefits

• The worker must be registered with the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Board.
• The worker must fulfil the contribution conditions prescribed under the applicable welfare scheme, wherever required.
• The worker must complete the minimum number of transactions or jobs in a quarter, as prescribed by the Board.
• Work completed through multiple platforms can count towards the prescribed transaction requirement.
• The minimum transaction condition does not apply if a worker dies during the course of work.
• Workers belonging to specific categories, including women and persons with disabilities, may qualify for separate welfare schemes.

Responsibilities of Platforms

• Register with the Welfare Board within 45 days of the commencement of the Act.
• Submit details of existing workers within 45 days and newly onboarded workers within 30 days of onboarding.
• Update the worker database every quarter.
• Deposit the applicable welfare fund fee at the end of each month.
• Submit worker payment and welfare fee details through the Welfare Fund Fee Verification System in real time.
• Provide workers with clear contracts and a 14-day notice before making changes to contractual terms.
• Give a written reason and 7 days’ notice before terminating a worker’s engagement, except in cases involving a threat to customer safety.

Who Is Not Eligible for Welfare Benefits?

• Individuals who do not qualify as platform-based gig workers under the Act.
• Workers who are not registered with the Welfare Board.
• Workers who fail to meet the minimum quarterly transaction or job requirement prescribed by the Board, except in the case of death during work.
• Workers who fail to meet the contribution conditions of a particular welfare scheme, wherever applicable.

How the Act Works Alongside Other Laws

• The Act operates in addition to other applicable laws and does not replace the rights or benefits available to workers under them.
• The welfare fund fee deposited by a platform is adjusted against its contribution liability under the Code on Social Security, 2020, subject to the prescribed rules and limits.
• Gig workers can also register on the Central Government’s e-Shram Portal to access applicable social security schemes. Registration on e-Shram is separate from registration under the Telangana Act.

Important Points to Check Before Registration

• Confirm that your work falls under the platform-based services covered by the Act.
• Check whether your platform has registered with the Welfare Board.
• Keep your platform IDs and transaction records updated.
• Use the same Unique ID across all platforms where you work.
• Keep records of your earnings and completed jobs on every platform.
• Do not pay any agent or intermediary for registration.

Documents Required to be Attached

The Government of Telangana has not yet published the final list of documents required for registration under the Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme. Based on the provisions of the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2026, applicants can keep the following documents and details ready.

Identity and Personal Documents

• Aadhaar Card or other valid government-issued identity proof
• Mobile Number
• Email Address, if available
• Recent Passport-size Photograph
• Residential Address Proof

Platform Work Details

• Platform Name and Worker ID
• Partner ID or Registration ID on each platform
• Monthly Earnings Statements
• UPI or Bank Transaction Statements
• Platform Work Confirmation or Screenshot
• Details of the Type of Gig Work

Bank Account Documents

• Bank Passbook
• Cancelled Cheque
• Bank Account Number and IFSC Code

Documents for Special Categories

• Disability Certificate, if applicable
• Other Category-specific Certificates, if applicable

Nominee and Family Documents

• Nominee Details
• Relationship Proof
• Death Certificate, in case of a worker’s death
• Relevant Platform Work and Transaction Records

Documents Required for Filing a Complaint

• Platform Payment and Transaction Statements
• Deduction Details or Related Communication
• Termination Notice, if applicable
• Messages and Emails Exchanged with the Platform

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

The Government of Telangana launched the Telangana Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme on 14 November 2026 under the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2026, which is Act No. 21 of 2026. The Act came into force on the same day. The Government also launched online registration for gig and platform workers and unveiled the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers Rules Book.

Think of a school identity card. The school keeps a list of its students and issues an identity card to each student. If a student’s name is missing from the list, the student can approach the school office and request registration. The Telangana Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme follows a similar process. The platform on which you work must share your details with the Welfare Board, and you can also register yourself. After registration, the Board provides a Unique ID that works across different platforms. This means you do not need a separate ID for every platform.

Before You Start

Step 1: Keep your basic documents and details ready, including your Aadhaar card, mobile number, bank account details and residential address in Telangana. You can refer to the Documents Required to be Attached section for the list.

Step 2: Open the app of every platform on which you work. Note down the platform name and your partner ID or worker ID.

Step 3: Download your transaction statements or earnings records for the last few months from each platform. Keep these records safe because the Board may use your work and transaction details to check your eligibility for welfare benefits.

Step 4: Check whether your work comes under the services covered by the Act. These include ride-sharing, food and grocery delivery, logistics, online marketplaces, professional services, healthcare, travel and hospitality, and content and media services.

Step 5: Read the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2026 to understand your rights and the responsibilities of platforms. You can also visit the Department of Labour, Government of Telangana, for official registration instructions and scheme-related information.

Method 1: Get Registered Through Your Platform

Step 1: The Act requires every platform to share the details of its existing workers with the Welfare Board within 45 days of the Act coming into force. It must also share the details of each new worker within 30 days of onboarding.

Step 2: Your platform must provide your details to the Board for registration. You do not have to submit a separate registration form through the platform for this process. The registration process must follow the rules prescribed by the Government.

Step 3: Open the help section of your platform’s app and contact its designated point of contact. Ask: “Has the platform registered with the Welfare Board, and have you shared my details?”

Step 4: Check that your name, mobile number and partner ID are correct in the platform’s records. The platform will use these details while sharing your information with the Board.

Step 5: Once the Board registers your details and issues your Unique ID, ask your platform for the ID or check it through the official registration facility.

Step 6: If you need assistance, contact the platform’s designated point of contact. The platform must provide support in Telugu, English or another language specified under the applicable rules.

Method 2: Register on Your Own

Step 1: The Act gives every eligible gig worker the right to register independently. You do not have to depend entirely on your platform for registration.

Step 2: The Government launched online registration for gig and platform workers on 14 November 2026. Visit the official registration facility announced by the Government of Telangana or follow the registration instructions available through the Department of Labour website.

Step 3: Open the official registration facility and follow the instructions displayed on the screen. Enter your mobile number and other personal details as required by the registration process.

Step 4: Provide your personal information, residential address and the names of the platforms on which you work. Enter your bank account details if the registration form asks for them.

Step 5: Upload the documents requested in the registration form. These may include identity proof, address details and records of your platform work, depending on the requirements of the official registration process.

Step 6: Review all the information carefully before submitting your registration. Save your application or acknowledgement number, if the system provides one.

Step 7: Check your registration status through the official facility and keep your Unique ID safe after the Board issues it.

Step 8: Avoid fake registration links and mobile applications. Use only the registration facility announced by the Government of Telangana.

Method 3: If You Work on More Than One Platform

Step 1: You will receive only one Unique ID under the Act, even if you work for multiple platforms.

Step 2: Provide accurate personal and contact details to every platform on which you work. This will help the Board identify and connect your records correctly.

Step 3: Keep separate transaction statements and earnings records from each platform. These records can help establish your work history and transaction details when the Board checks your eligibility for welfare benefits.

Step 4: Contact each platform’s point of contact and confirm whether it has shared your worker details with the Board.

Method 4: If You Are a Woman or a Person With a Disability

Step 1: Complete your registration through your platform or the independent online registration facility, just like other eligible gig workers.

Step 2: Keep your disability certificate ready, if applicable, along with your other registration documents.

Step 3: The Act allows the Welfare Board to frame specific welfare schemes for women and persons with disabilities. Check the official announcements of the Board for the eligibility conditions and benefits under these schemes.

After You Are Registered

Step 1: Keep your Unique ID safe. You may need it while accessing welfare benefits and communicating with the Welfare Board.

Step 2: Continue maintaining your work and transaction records. The Board may consider your work history and minimum transaction requirements while deciding eligibility for particular welfare schemes.

Step 3: Check the official announcements of the Government and the Welfare Board for details of available benefits. At the scheme’s launch on 14 November 2026, the Chief Minister announced ₹5 lakh life insurance coverage for every gig worker and ₹10 lakh health insurance coverage through Rajiv Aarogyasri.

Step 4: If you also want to access the applicable benefits available to unorganised workers under Central Government schemes, you can register separately on the e-Shram portal. Registration under e-Shram is separate from registration under the Telangana Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme.

How to Complain

Step 1: Clearly identify the problem, such as an incorrect payment deduction, delayed payment, account blocking, unfair termination or any other issue related to your platform work.

Step 2: Collect supporting records, including transaction statements, payment details, notices, messages and emails exchanged with the platform.

Step 3: First, contact the designated point of contact of your platform and explain the problem. Keep a record of your complaint and the date on which you submitted it.

Step 4: If the platform does not resolve the issue, submit a complaint to the Grievance Redressal Officer through the prescribed process. The Act also requires every platform’s app to provide a link to the Government’s grievance portal.

Step 5: The Grievance Redressal Officer must decide your complaint within 30 days of receiving it.

Step 6: If you are not satisfied with the decision, you can appeal to the Appellate Authority, an officer of the rank of Deputy Commissioner, within 90 days of the order.

Step 7: If your platform has at least 100 registered gig workers in Telangana, it must establish an internal dispute committee. You can approach this committee for disputes involving platform information, termination of work, payment delays, deductions and working conditions. The committee must resolve the matter within 30 days.

If the Platform Deducts the Welfare Fee From Your Pay or Ends Your Work Without a Reason

Step 1: The platform cannot deduct its welfare fund contribution from the amount payable to you. It must pay the applicable welfare fee from its own funds.

Step 2: The platform must give you a written reason and at least seven days’ notice before terminating your work. This notice requirement does not apply when the platform identifies a threat to a customer.

Step 3: If the platform violates these requirements, collect the relevant payment records, messages or notices and follow the complaint procedure explained above.

If You Need Help

Step 1: Contact the designated point of contact of your platform for assistance with worker registration, payment records or other platform-related issues.

Step 2: Visit the Department of Labour, Government of Telangana, and the official Telangana State Portal for scheme announcements, registration instructions and contact details.

Step 3: You can also read the background of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Bill, 2025 to understand how the legislation developed.

Important: The Government launched online registration and unveiled the Telangana Platform Based Gig Workers Rules Book on 14 November 2026. Follow the official registration instructions while submitting your details. Do not pay an unauthorised agent or share your Aadhaar details or OTP with anyone who contacts you. Always use the registration facility announced by the Government of Telangana.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Telangana Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme, Department of Labour, Government of Telangana, Official Website
• Government of Telangana, Official State Portal
• e-Shram Portal, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Office: Office of the Commissioner of Labour, Department of Labour, Government of Telangana, TAKS Bhavan, also known as Anjaiah Karmika Sankshema Bhavan, RTC X Roads, near Devi Theatre, Chikkadpally, Hyderabad, Telangana – 500020
• Your Platform: The named point of contact of the platform on which you work, whose details every platform must show in its app, and who must answer you in Telugu, English or another listed language
• Grievance Redressal Officer: The officer whom the Government appoints under the Act, to whom you can apply in person or on the web portal, and who has to decide within 30 days

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.