Telangana to set up separate welfare boards for hamali and domestic workers

Hyderabad: Energy and Mines Minister Dr Gaddam Vivek Venkataswamy said the state government is taking special measures to protect unorganised workers’ rights and provide social security. The government will set up separate welfare boards for hamali workers and domestic workers, he said. He added that legal steps for gig and platform workers’ welfare are in place. The government will announce the related rules soon, he said.

The Minister addressed a conference at the Lemon Tree Hotel in Hyderabad on Friday. Its theme was “Social Democracy, Political Leadership and Trade Unions: Rebuilding the Architecture of Social Dialogue”. Participants discussed strengthening democracy and protecting workers’ rights. They also discussed preparing the labour sector for changing work patterns.

Vivek said about 93 per cent of the country’s workers are in the unorganised sector. Organised workers can fight for their rights and demands through trade unions, he said. However, unorganised workers lack that level of representation and protection. He said resolving their problems needs more discussion and policy action.

He recalled that his father, Gaddam Venkataswamy, paid special attention to unorganised workers’ issues. Industry circles opposed the pension scheme for private sector employees when it was introduced. Even so, his father stood by workers’ interests, the Minister said.

Welfare boards for gig, hamali and domestic workers

Vivek also referred to Rahul Gandhi’s initiative on gig workers’ rights. Telangana brought in a law for gig workers’ welfare on Rahul Gandhi’s initiative, he said. The government has also formed a board to protect their interests. Work on separate welfare boards for hamali and domestic workers is continuing, he added. The government gives priority to gig and platform workers’ rights, social security, fair wages and workplace safety, he said.

Vivek said Telangana had not announced minimum wages for the past ten years. The government announced them after he took charge of the labour department, he said. The government discussed the matter with industry representatives. It then decided in a way that ensures justice for workers, he said.

Workers need adequate wages and a dignified life before productivity rises and industrial peace prevails, he said. Likewise, investment and employment will grow only when industry and workers cooperate, he added.

Workplace safety and the Sigachi accident

The Minister said ease of doing business should not come at the cost of worker safety. He referred to the Sigachi industry accident, in which 54 workers died. Managements must implement the safety measures that officials suggest during factory inspections, he said. Company boards should discuss inspection reports in their meetings, and managements should correct safety lapses, he said. He urged industry managements to recognise their responsibilities and prioritise saving workers’ lives.

Skill development and German language training

Vivek said skill development is key to making Telangana a $3 trillion economy by 2047. The state is developing its ITIs into Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs), he said. They offer training with modern technology to suit industry needs. The aim is to prepare youth with the skills that new industries in defence, aerospace and other sectors require. He said the government has also taken up a programme to give ITI students a stipend of Rs 2,000 a month.

The Minister said Telangana youth are receiving German language training to seize job opportunities abroad. Germany has openings for skilled human resources, he said. About 5 lakh job opportunities came up in discussions with institutions there. In Mandamarri in his constituency, 70 youth are receiving German language training. His own organisation also pays them a stipend, he said. Efforts are under way to find employment in Germany for those who complete the training. He said training in local languages and modern skills is necessary to match changing job opportunities in Europe, Japan and other countries.

Vivek said workers should play a key role in policy decisions. Strong trade unions, responsible political leadership, fair wages, social security and meaningful social dialogue can build a just and inclusive society, he said. He asked trade union leaders, political representatives and experts to bring field-level problems to the government’s notice. Labour reforms should help industrial development while protecting workers’ rights, he said. The government is ready to examine the practical suggestions from the conference. It will implement them as far as possible in line with workers’ interests, he added.

MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy, Minimum Wages Advisory Board Chairman Janak Prasad, former MP Khuntia and Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union president Shaik Salahuddin attended the event. Leaders and representatives of various labour unions also took part.