Hyderabad: The Rs 5 Lakh Accident Insurance Scheme for auto drivers (transport and non-transport), Home Guards and accredited journalists in Telangana has expired, leaving more than 13.11 lakh registered beneficiaries without protection.
The scheme, which was initiated in 2015 as a critical form of social security, lapsed on October 8, 2024, and has not yet been renewed.
Unsettled claims worth Rs 22.7 crore
Concerns have also been raised over 454 unsettled claims from the 2019-2024 period, amounting to Rs 22.7 crore. These pending claims reflect serious coordination issues between the Labour Department, the Transport Department and the insurance companies involved.
“The delays and administrative lapses are exposing thousands of workers and their families to extreme vulnerability,” said Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU).
Demands for Scheme Renewal and Expansion
The TGPWU has issued a formal appeal to the Government of Telangana, urging immediate action to revive and expand the scheme. Their key demands include:
1. Shifting implementation responsibilities to the Transport Department to streamline execution.
2. Increasing the insurance coverage to Rs 10 lakh, with added benefits for accidental disability and hospitalisation.
3. Ensuring automatic and timely policy renewal to prevent future lapses.
4. Running public awareness campaigns to help eligible individuals understand how to enrol and claim benefits.
“This is not just about financial protection, it’s about dignity and security for those who keep our cities moving and safe. The government must act swiftly,” said Salauddin, reiterating the need for prompt administrative reform.
Call for Government Accountability
Stakeholders are urging the Chief Minister and the Labour Department to take decisive steps to resolve outstanding claims and prevent further delays. The lack of coverage not only undermines existing welfare commitments but also places frontline workers, particularly those in vulnerable professions, at heightened personal and financial risk.
The TGPWU’s appeal comes at a time when growing numbers of informal and frontline workers are calling for stronger, more consistent welfare measures across sectors.
