CM holds pre-budget talks with gig workers, farmers

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday held a series of pre-budget consultations with gig workers, farmers, rural representatives, and labour groups ahead of the budget 2026. The meetings, held at the Delhi Secretariat, aimed to gather direct inputs from different sections of society.

The Chief Minister said the Government would prioritise these suggestions while preparing the upcoming Budget to ensure it reflects “the aspirations of every section”. Labour Minister Kapil Mishra and Delhi Gram Vikas Board Chairman Raj Kumar Chauhan also attended the consultations.

Gig workers, including drivers, raised concerns over job security, lack of social protection and poor working conditions. They demanded safe and adequate parking spaces, expansion of electric vehicle infrastructure, and subsidies for women to purchase EVs.

Several participants called for linking gig workers to provident fund systems and health schemes. They also urged the Government to recognise gig workers as “employees” instead of “partners”, arguing that this would ensure better legal and social protection.

Participants proposed setting up a dedicated task force for gig workers. They also demanded rest facilities, more public toilets, and practical reforms in traffic regulations. Some flagged inconsistencies between Central and State labour laws and called for better coordination to ensure benefits reach workers.

In separate discussions, farmers and rural representatives highlighted gaps in agricultural infrastructure and village amenities. They sought improvements in irrigation systems, rural roads, and mandi operations.

Farmers also demanded formal recognition of their status in Delhi and asked for subsidies and incentives for agricultural activities. Issues related to land pooling and consolidation were raised, with calls for more farmer-friendly policies.

Participants urged the Government to revise the circle rates of agricultural land through a fresh survey and ensure fair compensation mechanisms. They also demanded better access to Kisan Credit Cards, easier loans for farm equipment, and effective implementation of crop insurance schemes. Farmers stressed the need to upgrade basic facilities in villages, including drainage, sanitation, drinking water, and electricity. They also called for planned urbanisation of villages and improvements in school infrastructure and access to education.

Labour groups, meanwhile, focused on issues related to wages, housing, healthcare, and workplace safety. They demanded labour offices in every district and increased staffing in the labour department. Workers also called for wider implementation of schemes such as ESIC and PPF, and proposed setting up a Labour Welfare Board. They suggested training centres for women workers and technology-driven skill development programmes for labourers. The Chief Minister said the Government is committed to addressing these concerns. She said agriculture and rural development will receive special attention in the upcoming budget. She added that a study to revise circle rates has been underway for six months, and a decision will be taken soon.

The Chief Minister said the Government is also working on improving access to tractor loans, Kisan Credit Cards, and land consolidation, along with implementing central schemes effectively. She highlighted the importance of gig workers in the economy and said the Government will work to ensure their rights and security. “We will address their concerns and provide necessary facilities,” she said.

Mishra said the consultations reflect a shift towards inclusive governance. He claimed that villages and farmers were neglected earlier, but are now a priority. He said development work worth Rs 2,000 crore is underway in 366 villages across 13 districts under various initiatives.