Karnataka Gig Workers’ Welfare Board

The Government of Karnataka has constituted the Gig Workers’ Welfare Board to institutionalise protections for platform-based gig workers.

Background and Purpose

• The creation of the board follows the state government’s push to formalize welfare support for gig workers through a dedicated body.
• Gig workers, who operate via digital platforms without traditional employer-employee relationships, often lack access to social security benefits like health insurance, accident coverage, and other protections. 
• This board will oversee registration, fund management, and benefit disbursement to address these gaps.
• Karnataka’s move follows the earlier Social Security Code, 2020 at the national level and similar state actions (e.g., Rajasthan) to formalise protections for gig workers.

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About the Karnataka Gig Workers’ Welfare Board

• The Board was constituted and functions under the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security & Welfare) Act, 2025.
• Composition:
  • Multi-Stakeholder Representation: The Board includes ex-officio government officials, gig worker representatives, platform/aggregator representatives, and civil society voices to balance interests.
  • Chairmen: The state Labour Minister acts as an ex-officio chair or president of the Board.
• Functions & Responsibilities:
  • Registration & Data Oversight: The Board will oversee the registration of gig workers and aggregators/ platforms operating in Karnataka.
  • Social Security Schemes: It will design, recommend, and monitor social security and welfare schemes for registered gig workers.
  • Grievance Redressal: The Board is expected to engage with gig worker unions/associations, hold consultations, and support grievance redressal mechanisms for disputes between workers and platforms.
• Funding Mechanism:
  • Welfare Fee on Aggregators: Aggregators/platform companies must contribute a welfare fee into a designated fund. 
  • Gig Workers’ Social Security Fund: The fees collected support the Karnataka Gig Workers’ Social Security & Welfare Fund, which finances the welfare schemes.
  • Other Funding Sources: The fund may also receive contributions from workers themselves, state/central grants, donations, and other sources as defined in the Act.

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