Bengaluru, August 20, 2025 – The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has passed the Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025, becoming a trailblazer in the South for gig worker protection.
Key Provisions: Building the Gig Safety Net
- Establishes a Gig Workers Welfare Fund funded by a 1–5% welfare fee levied per transaction, collected quarterly from aggregators. Additional support comes from worker contributions and government grants.
- Sets up a Gig Workers Welfare Board comprising representatives from gig workers, aggregators, government, and civil society. The board will oversee worker registration, dispute resolution, job security, and prevent arbitrary terminations.
- Requires platforms to maintain transparency on fare structures, algorithmic monitoring, earnings, and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Why It’s a Game-Changer
With the gig workforce in India projected to reach 23.5 million by 2029–30, and over 400,000 gig workers already in Karnataka, this legislation is timely and crucial.
Labour Minister Santosh Lad noted the extreme working conditions many face, with delivery partners working 18-hour shifts for minimal pay highlighting the urgent need for reform.
For founders building gig platforms especially in mobility, delivery, and on-demand services this law isn’t just compliance; it’s an inflection point. It raises the bar for worker empowerment, transparency, and platform accountability.
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