Empowering Change: Karnataka to Unveil Groundbreaking Bill Protecting Platform-Based Gig Workers After Inspiring Dialogue with Rahul Gandhi

The Karnataka government plans to organize another interaction between gig workers and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi before introducing a bill aimed at regulating social security and welfare for platform-based gig workers in the state. During a recent Cabinet meeting, the decision was made to postpone the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2024. Initially expected to be presented in the ongoing Assembly session, the bill is now anticipated to be tabled during the Budget Session in March 2025.

A source from the Labour Department revealed plans for an interactive session with gig workers from various companies and Gandhi in the coming months, highlighting that the proposed legislation was Gandhi’s initiative. The government aims to ensure the bill addresses all concerns by involving all stakeholders. Prior to the Karnataka Assembly elections in 2023, Gandhi had engaged with several gig workers to understand their issues.

Despite initial reservations from the Commerce and Industries Department, which led to the bill’s deferral, those concerns have since been addressed. Once enacted, gig workers employed by major companies like Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato, Swiggy, Ola, Uber, and Dunzo will receive social security benefits. The benefits will be funded by a small amount contributed to a Welfare Fund, based on the distance traveled by gig workers. This fund will support health insurance, loans, and other amenities.

The bill’s public consultation process highlighted concerns from aggregators and tech companies, particularly regarding data privacy and company contributions to welfare. Companies expressed apprehensions about the Central Transaction Information Management System (CTIMS), which will track payments and facilitate a welfare fee deduction. Additionally, the creation of a database for all gig workers was a concern, with both databases managed by the Gig Workers Welfare Board established under the act.

Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bangalore/karnataka-bill-to-protect-platform-based-gig-workers-rahul-gandhi-9727586/
Category : Bangalore,Cities
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Publish Date: 2024-12-16 13:04:00