The Karnataka government is planning to introduce the Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025, which will focus on regulating and providing a comprehensive welfare framework for the large informal workforce. The bill comes amid the recent push for the gig worker by Karnataka government by passing the Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025.
What does it mean for Bengalureans?
The social security and welfare bill, if passed, would provide crucial protections such as minimum wage and social security coverage to the informal workforce. This would mandate that Bengaluru households should have domestic workers registered with the government, including maids, cooks, drivers, nannies, and others. Notably, as per the provisions, the Bengalureans hiring domestic workers will pay 5 per cent of the wages to the welfare fund established under the bill. Along with this, workers should compulsorily have a written framework which would outline wages, work hours, and contributions to the welfare fund.
What does the Bill say?
According to the reports, the bill sets out a framework to protect the rights of domestic workers, mainly constituted by women. In addition, it makes registration of workers and employers compulsory within 30 days of hiring through a dedicated digital website. The registered domestic workers will be entitled to minimum wages, overtime pay, maternity benefits, weekly holidays, medical reimbursements, education support, and workplace injury compensation.
The bill pushes for the creation of a Karnataka State Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Board that will oversee welfare schemes, grievance redressal, and implementation compliance. The board will based on three party system (tripartite), including representatives from the government, domestic workers and unions, employers, service providers, and resident welfare associations.
The bill would prohibit employment without a written agreement that explicitly outlines wages, work hours, and contributions to a welfare fund. It also bans forced labour, discrimination, exploitation, and abuse of workers. The agencies, employers and digital platforms employing domestic workers to contribute up to 5 per cent of wages to a social security and welfare fund managed by the welfare fund as a mandatory provision.