Sat Jan 03 16:08:21 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
The Indian National Congress party has criticized the central government’s proposal for a 90-day work rule for gig workers to qualify for social security, deeming it insufficient and overdue. The Congress argues that stronger legislation is needed to protect the rights of workers in the unorganized sector, particularly gig workers. They highlight the initiatives taken by Congress-led state governments in Telangana, Rajasthan, and Karnataka to provide comprehensive social security and worker protection measures, including welfare funds, tripartite welfare boards, fair contracts, and safe working conditions. The Congress reiterates its commitment to advocating for the rights of gig workers and the unorganized sector, emphasizing its focus on this issue during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and in the NYAY PATH Resolution of 2025.
News Article:
Congress Slams Centre’s Gig Worker Proposal as “Too Little, Too Late”
New Delhi, January 3, 2026 – The Congress party today sharply criticized the central government’s proposal requiring gig workers to work for 90 days to become eligible for social security benefits, calling the measure inadequate and delayed.
In a statement released on X, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh stated that the 90-day rule falls far short of addressing the needs of gig workers and emphasized the necessity for comprehensive legislation to safeguard the rights of those employed in the unorganized sector.
The Congress is pushing that they have been ahead of the central government. Ramesh highlighted the efforts made by Congress-led governments in Telangana, Rajasthan, and Karnataka to support gig workers. These include establishing welfare funds through a welfare fee of 1% to 5% of the payout to the worker during each transaction, setting up tripartite welfare boards, providing fair contracts, ensuring safe working conditions, and implementing social security schemes.
“The protection of gig workers was a key pillar of the Congress party’s agenda,” Ramesh said. He added that the party has declared that Congress is an ardent champion of workers on gig platforms and in the unorganised sector. We recognise the need for legislation for the protection of their rights. The Congress continues to stand by gig workers.”
The party’s criticism comes amidst growing concerns about the working conditions and social security of gig workers in India, who often lack the protections afforded to traditional employees. The Congress has vowed to continue advocating for stronger protections for this growing segment of the workforce.
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