Govt plans sheds, water facilities for gig workers

Patna: In view of the severe heatwave conditions, the state govt has announced measures to provide relief to home delivery and courier workers by setting up sheds and drinking water facilities at different locations across the city.Urban development and housing minister Nitish Mishra chaired a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Tuesday to discuss the welfare of gig workers.The minister said ensuring the safety and comfort of delivery personnel was a priority for the govt, particularly at a time when a large number of workers were compelled to remain outdoors for long hours under extreme heat and harsh sunlight due to the growing demand for online services and home deliveries.He directed officials to install adequate sheds at key points across the city to protect workers from direct sun exposure. Instructions were also issued to ensure the availability of clean and cool drinking water at these locations.The meeting reviewed the difficulties being faced by delivery agents, e-commerce personnel and courier workers amid rising temperatures and increasing demand for delivery services. The minister asked the PMC to set up additional drinking water kiosks wherever required, stressing that the initiative was a matter of humanitarian concern as much as public convenience.He said delivery workers performed the essential task of supplying goods to people’s doorsteps every day and that their welfare was a collective responsibility.Among those present at the meeting were Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (Buidco) managing director Animesh Kumar Parashar, PMC commissioner Yashpal Meena and other senior officials.