Vivek reaffirms commitment to workers’ rights in TG

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Telangana Labour and Mines Minister G Vivek Venkatswamy reaffirmed the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare during International Workers' Day celebrations held at Ravindra Bharathi on Friday.

The event was attended by Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Bellampalli MLA G. Vinod, Peddapalli MP Gaddam Vamshi Krishna, labour leaders, and officials.

Addressing the gathering, Vivek Venkatswamy recalled the hardships workers once faced, including long working hours, lack of basic rights, and absence of minimum wages. He said past leaders fought against exploitation to secure protections for labourers. Referring to his father, former Union Minister Kaka Venkataswamy, he noted that strong labour movements once shaped policy.

The Minister said industrial relations have improved, with workers and management now moving in a more cooperative direction. He stressed that achieving a $3 trillion economy by 2047 requires collective effort, with a focus on skill development.

He announced that around 20,000 youth are being trained through 120 Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs), with opportunities extended to workers’ children. He also highlighted agriculture-related courses aimed at boosting productivity.

Vivek said Rs 90 crore has been allocated to the Labour Department and noted that through TOMCOM, youth are being trained for overseas employment, including in Germany. He added that insurance cover for construction workers has been doubled from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, and assured welfare measures for hamalis.

The Minister said the state has introduced legislation to protect gig and platform workers, inspired by Rahul Gandhi, and that healthcare services under ESI are being expanded.

Speaking at the event, Jupally Krishna Rao emphasised the dignity of labour and called for treating workers with respect and empathy. He said legal measures must be complemented by a humane approach.

MP Gaddam Vamshi Krishna highlighted B R Ambedkar’s contributions to labour rights, including the eight-hour workday, and assured that workers’ issues would be raised in Parliament.