PLATFORM WORKERS WELFARE BOARD
Telangana implements gig worker rules, mandates minimum pay, social security benefits
The Telangana government has launched the Telangana Platform-Based Gig Workers Rules, which establish rights for gig workers. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy introduced the legislation during a ceremony with Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad. The new rules include provisions for social security benefits, minimum remuneration, and protection against arbitrary account deactivation. Shaik Salauddin from the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union emphasized the need for effective implementation of these rights.
Rahul Gandhi calls out ‘fascists’ at Bharat Summit, launches Telangana gig workers’ welfare scheme
Addressing the Bharat Summit 2026 in Hyderabad, Gandhi hit out at what he termed "fascists" in business, academia, and politics, asserting that they tend to scream and refuse to listen while the humble majority remains quieter.
Govt opens registration for consent managers under DPDP Act; Rs 2 crore net worth required
The government has launched the registration process for consent managers under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act. Eligible companies with a minimum net worth of Rs 2 crore can apply online. The Data Protection Board of India will review applications based on set criteria. Registered consent managers will allow individuals to manage their personal data effectively. Further phases of data protection implementation are scheduled for upcoming dates.
Telangana to provide gig workers Rs 5 lakh accident cover, Rs 10 lakh health insurance: Rahul Gandhi
Telangana has announced a new welfare scheme aimed at supporting gig workers in the state. The initiative includes accident insurance amounting to Rs 5 lakh and health insurance of Rs 10 lakh. Workers will receive 1% of each transaction for their deliveries directly into their bank accounts. This payment will be facilitated through a dedicated gig workers' board.
Congress believes in making workers partners, will stand by gig workers: Rahul Gandhi in Hyderabad
Congress and Telangana government have launched the Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Scheme in Hyderabad. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi emphasized the importance of data rights for gig workers during the event. He noted that workers currently lack access to their work-related information from digital platforms. Additionally, he addressed the challenging working conditions faced by gig workers while promising improvements.
Consent manager portal goes live sans DPBI members
Provisions concerning consent managers under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025 came into effect exactly 12 months after the rules were notified. Set to be neutral intermediaries or single point of contact for individuals to give, manage, review, and withdraw data consent across multiple organisations, consent managers are emerging as the cornerstone of a compliance-as-a-service market that some estimates suggest could reach Rs 10,000 crore over the next three years in India.
MeitY examines data collection by home services platforms for physical AI training
The consultation comes amid growing interest among AI and robotics developers in first-person video and sensor data, which can help train machines to understand and replicate human actions in real-world environments. Such recordings capture how people perform routine activities, providing training inputs for robots designed to undertake physical tasks.
MeitY probes physical AI data use; Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang resigns
MeitY is reviewing the practice of collecting first-person video and sensor data from gig workers to train physical AI models. This and more in today’s ETtech Top 5.
Indonesia tightens scrutiny of language training for foreign workers, plans mandatory proficiency test from February 2027
Indonesia is increasing scrutiny of employers' compliance with mandatory Indonesian language training for foreign workers, although work permit application procedures remain unchanged. Employers must facilitate language education for non-exempt foreign employees, either through in-house programmes or approved institutions. While proof of training completion is not currently required with work permit applications, officials may question workers about their training during permit renewals.
Gold worth 9 million euros found inside cellar wall: 18-year-old student digging sewage pipes stumbles upon 49 gold bars & thousands of coins in Belgium
Construction workers in Belgium, including an 18-year-old student, discovered around 50 gold bars and thousands of gold coins worth an estimated 9 million euros (nearly Rs 99 crore) hidden behind a cellar wall. Found during a sewer installation project in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, the treasure has triggered an investigation into its origins and ownership.
Fires, protests, pollution: How Apple's supply chain woes in India have caused troubles over the years
Three contract workers lost their lives due to asphyxiation at a Tata Electronics factory in Hosur. This incident has prompted investigations by the companies involved and the Tamil Nadu state government. Recent years have witnessed various operational issues at Apple supplier facilities, leading to heightened scrutiny. Apple's supply chain in India continues to face challenges amid efforts to diversify from China.
Passengers climbing through train windows, some travelling in toilets, others waiting 12 hours in queues: Railway stations witness unprecedented Diwali-Chhath chaos
Railway stations across Delhi, Mumbai, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are witnessing massive crowds as passengers head home for Diwali and Chhath Puja. Videos show commuters attempting to enter packed trains through doors and windows, while some wait up to 12 hours to board services. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw says 18,000 special trains have been added this festive season, alongside holding areas and AI-enabled cameras to manage crowds.
Oman tightens expat worker recruitment rules from January 2027; agencies must provide insurance, refunds
Effective January 1, 2027, Oman is set to enforce new, tougher rules for hiring expatriate workers, which will necessitate insurance coverage and adherence to recruitment timelines. Recruitment agencies will shoulder increased financial duties, including the possibility of refunds for employers.
Voter ID to replace Aadhaar for welfare schemes and benefits? BJP government's plan sparks row
The Centre plans to require voter ID numbers and biometric authentication for welfare benefits. This proposal has sparked criticism from the CPI(M), which claims it could exclude vulnerable individuals from essential government schemes. Critics argue that many rural residents lack access to necessary technology, thereby hindering their ability to receive benefits.
Gig workers may get social security benefits through 2% transaction levy on businesses
The government is considering implementing a 2% transaction-based levy on aggregators to support social security for gig workers. This levy will fund benefits such as insurance, health, and maternity support for over 12 million workers. There is a consensus that this approach ensures fairness among different types of aggregators. The new scheme is expected to be launched in 2027, requiring gig workers to meet specific work criteria.
ETtech Explainer: Food delivery, ride-hailing firms differ on gig worker welfare levy calculation
Food delivery and quick-commerce companies such as Zomato and Swiggy are seeking a levy based on the value of transactions facilitated through their platforms, while cab and bike-taxi aggregators such as Uber and Rapido want it to be calculated on their own turnover rather than the total value of rides facilitated.
Premji's deeptech bets; Razorpay gets IPO nod
Happy Thursday! Premji Invest is stepping up its bets on defence and aerospace manufacturing.This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.
Centre sets up social security board to frame welfare schemes for gig workers
In a significant move, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has initiated the National Social Security Board, designed to improve welfare for unorganised and gig economy workers. This board will advise on the rollout and supervision of important social security programs. Scheduled to meet three times annually, it will also manage policy discussions and oversee the financial aspects of the Social Security Code.
Bangladesh garment factories reopen as wage protests keep industry on edge
Bangladesh's garment factories reopened on Monday after widespread closures and production disruptions a day earlier, but manufacturers remain concerned about further unrest over workers' demands for higher wages.
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