Hyderabad: Labour and Mines Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting workers rights Telangana and strengthening welfare measures across the state.
He made the statement during May Day celebrations at Ravindra Bharathi on Friday. Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao, Bellampalli MLA G. Vinod, Peddapalli MP Gaddam Vamshi Krishna, labour leaders and officials attended the programme.
Vivek Venkatswamy recalled that workers earlier faced severe hardships. They lacked basic rights, worked long hours and had no minimum wage protection. However, past leaders fought sustained battles to secure these rights.
Referring to his father, former Union Minister Kaka Venkataswamy, he said large labour movements emerged during that period. As a result, those struggles shaped present-day labour protections.
Workers rights Telangana see shift towards cooperation
The Minister said a positive shift had emerged in recent years. Now, managements and workers were moving forward in a more cooperative environment.
He stressed that achieving a $3 trillion economy by 2047 required collective effort. Therefore, he placed strong emphasis on skill development for workers.
At present, around 20,000 youth are undergoing training through 120 Advanced Technology Centres across the state. In addition, special opportunities are being extended to children of workers.
Vivek Venkatswamy also highlighted agriculture-related courses. These courses aim to improve productivity and expand employment opportunities.
Further, he said ₹90 crore has been allocated to the Labour department. Through TOMCOM, youth are being trained and placed in jobs in countries such as Germany.
Workers rights Telangana strengthened with welfare steps
The Minister announced an increase in insurance cover for construction workers from ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh. He also assured focused measures for the welfare of hamalis.
Meanwhile, the government introduced a special law to provide legal protection to gig and platform workers. He added that this move followed Rahul Gandhi’s vision.
Vivek Venkatswamy said authorities are improving medical services under ESI. At the same time, officials are working to expand these services further.
Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao said workers play a key role in nation-building. However, he noted that their contribution can never be fully compensated.
He stressed that dignity should not depend on the nature of work. Instead, society must treat workers like family members and support them. He added that laws alone are not enough without a humanitarian outlook.
Peddapalli MP Gaddam Vamsi Krishna said Dr. B.R. Ambedkar prioritised workers’ rights in the Constitution. Notably, the eight-hour workday principle still guides society.
He said the 120 Advanced Technology Centres will generate employment. Moreover, he assured that he would raise workers’ issues in Parliament.
Labour Secretary Dasari Harichandana, Labour Commissioner Pamela Satpathy, labour leaders and a large number of workers attended the event.