Pragati Centres To Aid Gig Workers In City
The initiative seeks to plug gaps in basic urban infrastructure for gig and platform workers who spend much of their day on the road.
HYDERABAD: The state government and an online grocery delivery app have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish Pragati Centres in Hyderabad, creating dedicated spaces where gig workers across platforms can rest and access essential facilities during the working day.
The initiative seeks to plug gaps in basic urban infrastructure for gig and platform workers who spend much of their day on the road.
A 2024 HeatWatch survey of 166 gig and platform workers in Hyderabad, whose findings were subsequently examined, found that nearly 69 per cent lacked access to clean washrooms, while more than 80 per cent had no shaded resting areas or cooling facilities while working.
The Pragati Centres will be open to gig workers across platforms, including those in quick commerce, food delivery, e‑commerce, apparel and other last‑mile delivery networks.
Special chief secretary for metropolitan area and urban development (HMDA limits) Jayesh Ranjan said gig and platform workers are an increasingly important part of Hyderabad’s urban economy. “Project Pragati will create accessible spaces that address some of these practical requirements and are available to workers irrespective of the platform they are associated with,” he said.