Published on: May 29, 2025

KARNATAKA PROMULGATES ORDINANCE FOR PROVIDING SECURITY TO GIG WORKERS

KARNATAKA PROMULGATES ORDINANCE FOR PROVIDING SECURITY TO GIG WORKERS

NEWS

  • The State government of Karnataka has promulgated the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Ordinance, 2025.
  • Objective: To create a welfare fund for platform-based gig workers and impose obligations on aggregators (platform operators).

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Provisions of the Ordinance

  • Emphasis on Gig Workers’ Rights: Recognizes and protects rights of platform-based gig workers.
  • Welfare Fee: Proposes a fee ranging from 1% to 5% of the payout to the worker for each transaction.
    • All fees collected go into the welfare fund dedicated to gig workers.

Establishment of Welfare Board

  • The government will establish the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers Welfare Board.
  • Functions of the Board:
    • Notify general or sector-specific social security and other benefits.
    • Implement benefits within the timeframe specified by the State government.
  • The Board’s headquarters will be located in Bengaluru.

Additional Objectives of the Ordinance

  • Protect rights of gig workers in terms of:
    • Social security
    • Occupational health and safety
    • Transparency in automated monitoring and decision-making systems used by platforms.
  • Payment and Welfare Fee Verification System:
    • To ensure transparency in welfare fee collection.
    • Every payment to workers and welfare fee deducted by aggregators must be reported to this system.

OTHER ORDINANCES PROMULGATED ALONGSIDE

  1. Karnataka Compulsory Service by Candidates Completed Medical Courses (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025
  • Provides a conditional No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for medical candidates to pursue higher studies (super-specialty or fellowship).
  • Candidates must submit an affidavit committing to complete one year of compulsory service after studies.
  • Failure to fulfill the obligation will attract penalties and other consequences as per the affidavit.
  1. Karnataka State Civil Service (Regulation of Transfer of Medical Officers and Other Staff) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025
  • Aims to bring transparency in transfers of medical officers and staff.
  • Transfers will be regulated through counselling.
  • Priority will be given to filling crucial posts.