The state government of Karnataka is set to table a Bill aimed at providing social security and protection to gig workers in the upcoming monsoon session. Labour Minister Santosh Lad mentioned that after consulting with stakeholders, the main point of contention is whether the proposed cess should be based on each transaction or the company’s total turnover.
Despite this issue, most other aspects of the Bill, such as the formation of a welfare board, have been resolved. The goal of the proposed legislation is to create a fund through the Gig and Platform Workers Welfare Board to offer social security to gig workers in line with Rajasthan’s Gig workers Law.
Notably, ride-sharing aggregators like Ola and Uber are pushing for the cess to be calculated based on transactions rather than turnover, arguing that their turnover figures do not accurately reflect their actual revenue distribution to drivers.
Principal Secretary (Labour) Mohammed Mohsin indicated that the draft Bill is in its final stages, pending approval from the finance department for the government’s contribution towards gig workers’ welfare. The department plans to present the Bill in the upcoming session, with stakeholders onboard for financial support.
Published on 15 June 2024, 20:48 IST