Archive · 21 Sep 2025
Karnataka's Gig Worker Bill: A Step Towards Labour Protection
The government in Karnataka has created a new law to help gig workers.
This law creates a special group to oversee worker well-being, requires gig workers to register, and makes companies pay a fee for each job.
This money will go into a fund to help the workers.
The law also ensures that workers are not unfairly removed from the platforms.
It's a starting point for workers' rights, but the actual impact is uncertain.
Karnataka passed the Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill in August, 2025.
The bill establishes a welfare board and requires gig workers to register.
Platforms will contribute 1%-5% of payouts to a welfare fund.
The legislation aims to address worker issues of contract transparency and worker deactivation.
The Social Security Code, 2020, lacks enforceable entitlements for gig workers.
- Who
- Karnataka government, gig workers, platforms
- What
- New legislation providing social security and welfare for gig workers
- When
- Bill passed in August, 2025. Social Security Code, 2020, is not yet implemented
- Where
- Karnataka, India
- Why
- To provide labor protection and social security to gig workers.
Worker's Perspective
Platform's Perspective
Welfare Fund Contribution
Worker's Perspective
Improved job security and social security through government support
Platform's Perspective
Added operational costs and potential financial burden on platforms
- Bill Name
- Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025
- Workers Covered
- Gig and platform workers
- Key Provisions
- Tripartite welfare board, mandatory registration, welfare fees, protection against ID deactivation, transparency in algorithmic decision-making
- Welfare Fee
- 1%-5% of platform transactions
- Comparison to Other States
- More explicit on transparency in contracts and grievance redressal than Rajasthan; similar to Bihar.
Sources
Hiring Maid in Karnataka? You May Soon Need to Register and Pay Welfare Fee
Karnataka govt planning a bill that will make registering maids and cooks mandatory, welfare fee added for domestic workers
Karnataka plans bill to ensure minimum wage, welfare benefits, more for domestic workers
Karnataka Plans 'Rate Card' For Maids & Cooks; Fixed Wages, Medical Benefits & Pension On Agenda
Minimum Wage For Domestic Workers? Karnataka Plans 5% Welfare Cess
Bengaluru households may need to pay 5% welfare fees for hiring maids, drivers, cooks under new Karnataka bill
