Tamil Nadu to Provide ₹20,000 Subsidy for Gig Workers to Purchase E-Scooters
The Tamil Nadu government has announced a financial aid scheme for gig workers, offering a subsidy of ₹20,000 to help them purchase electric scooters (e-scooters). The announcement was made by State Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu while presenting the budget for the financial year 2025-26.
The Tamil Nadu government has announced a financial aid scheme for gig workers, offering a subsidy of ₹20,000 to help them purchase electric scooters (e-scooters). The announcement was made by State Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu while presenting the budget for the financial year 2025-26.
Support for Gig Workers
Thousands of gig workers employed with e-commerce platforms such as Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto, and Blinkit rely on e-scooters to deliver orders efficiently. Recognizing their contribution to the economy, the government has decided to extend financial assistance for the purchase of e-scooters.
“A new scheme will be launched… to provide a subsidy of ₹20,000 each to 2,000 internet-based service workers to buy a new e-scooter,” Thenarasu stated. The minister also announced an insurance scheme for nearly 1.5 lakh gig workers to offer financial protection to their families in the event of accidental death or disability.
Eligibility and Future Plans
Workers registered with a state welfare body will be eligible for the e-scooter subsidy, according to Labour Secretary Veera Raghava Rao. Further details of the scheme, including the application process, will be announced later.
Additionally, the Tamil Nadu government plans to construct rest lounges for gig workers in major cities like Chennai and Coimbatore. These lounges aim to provide relief, especially in extreme summer conditions when temperatures often exceed 40°C.
Union’s Response
KC Gopikumar, head of the Tamil Nadu Food and Allied Products Delivery Workers Union, welcomed the initiative and the government’s welfare measures. However, he urged authorities to extend the scheme to a larger number of workers and improve overall working conditions, including providing paid leave.
Sources By Agencies
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