In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has introduced dedicated lounges for gig workers at Anna Nagar on Wednesday.
24/7 AC lounges for gig workers
The facility offering much-needed relief to delivery agents was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin from the Ripon Buildings, alongside several other civic projects.
Taking to the social media platform X, Chief Minister M K Stalin said, “The lounge along with the parking facility launched in Anna Nagar is a place where a large number of women work.”
GCC commissioner J Kumaragurubaran mentioned that similar, but larger, lounges are also being planned in Thiruvanmiyur and Villivakkam for construction workers.
Another one for gig workers will also be opened at GN Chetty Road in T Nagar.
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Features of the AC lounges
The Scandinavian-style AC lounge will operate 24/7, with seating facilities for up to 25 people, mobile charging points, drinking water and toilet facilities, as reported by NDTV. The pilot project was built at Rs 25 lakh.
"We often struggled without a place to rest. We used to wait outside restaurants," said Anupriya, a woman delivery agent, who was quoted as saying by NDTV. "Now, the Corporation and Chief Minister have given us this lounge, understanding our plight. It feels safe even at night. I thank them for this," she added.
Another delivery agent, Kalaiarasan, has said that the lounges will offer relief from Chennai's harsh weather.
As per the report, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarassu, in his budget speech, had mentioned plans for these in Chennai and Coimbatore. The Chennai Corporation has announced a scheme to expand the initiative across more locations in the city.
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