The Government of Karnataka has officially notified the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Rules, 2025, marking a landmark step toward legally formalizing the welfare, data rights, occupational safety, and financial entitlements of gig workers across the state.
These rules have been framed under Section 28 of the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025 (Karnataka Act 72 of 2025) and take effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. Novemebr 20th,2025.
They follow the draft rules published on 30 June 2025, along with public consultation and stakeholder feedback.
⭐ Key Highlights of the New Rules
1. Constitution and Functioning of the Welfare Board
- The Board will manage gig-worker welfare programs, social security schemes, and the welfare fee fund.
- Non-official members attending meetings will receive ₹3000 per sitting, while special invitees receive ₹1000.
- The Board must meet at least once every three months; quorum requires 50% representation across ex-officio members, aggregator nominees, and gig worker nominees.
- Decisions are taken by simple majority, with the Chairperson having a casting vote.
2. Accounting, Audit, and Reporting
- Financial year: 1 April – 31 March.
- Board is a non-revenue entity; welfare fees do not constitute its income.
- Annual accounts must be sent to the State Government by 30 April and to the Legislature by 31 December.
- Digital databases of workers, platforms, and claims must be securely maintained.
3. Mandatory Registration of Aggregators/Platforms
- All platforms must register on a government portal by providing PAN, GSTIN, CIN, business categories, and authorized-person details.
- A single registration suffices for entities operating multiple platforms.
- New platforms must be reported within 30 working days.
- Upon registration, platforms receive a certificate and unique registration number.
- Multi-sector platforms must report sector-wise data and welfare-fee contributions (food delivery, ride-hailing, logistics, etc.).
4. Submission of Gig Worker Databases
- Aggregators must upload and update gig-worker data in machine-readable encrypted formats (TLS).
- Updates on additions/separations must be submitted within 7 days.
- Required fields include Aadhaar, DOB, mobile number, UAN (if available), city, and bank details.
- Workers will receive a unique ID assigned by the Board and gain access to an information dashboard.
5. Transparency & Automated Decision-Making Disclosures
- Platforms must give gig workers a mechanism to seek clarification on fares, earnings, ratings, and automated decisions.
- Responses must be provided within 5 working days.
6. Strong Grievance Redressal Framework
Internal Dispute Resolution Committee (IDRC)
- Each platform must form an IDRC consisting of:
- 1 senior-level chairperson
- 2 management representatives
- ≥3 senior gig workers
- Minimum 2 women members
- Platform must resolve grievances within 15 working days.
- Serious offences (e.g., BNS 2023 crimes, fraud) allow for immediate termination.
Appeals
- Gig workers can appeal an IDRC decision to the Board within 30 days.
- Appeals to be disposed within 30 working days.
Board-Level Grievances
- The Government’s Grievance Redressal Officer will handle claims on entitlements under the Act as per Karnataka Sakala timelines.
7. Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Standards
- Sector-specific OSH standards will be created in consultation with experts and aggregators.
- Compliance required within three months of notification.
- Platforms must provide:
- Safety guidance
- Panic button access
- Information on occupational hazards and first-aid
- All sexual harassment cases must follow the POSH Act, 2013.
8. Disclosure Obligations
- Platforms must publish details of grievance systems, insurance, termination procedures, welfare fee deductions, accident handling, and support for legal heirs.
- Disclosures must be in Kannada, English, and other 8th-Schedule languages preferred by workers.
- Language must be plain and simple, free of jargon.
9. Welfare Fee Collection, Deposit & Reconciliation
Collection
- Welfare fee payable quarterly and self-declared by platforms within five working days after each quarter.
- Excludes tips, incentives, referral bonuses, or event-based payments.
Deposit
- Fees must be electronically remitted to Board accounts; maximum two accounts may exist.
- Excess payments can be refunded within 90 days; shortfalls attract penalties.
- Reconciliation permitted when paying fees under multiple laws.
Record-Keeping
- All payouts and associated welfare-fee deductions must be uploaded to the PWFVS system within 7 days.
10. Social Security Schemes
The Board may create schemes covering:
- Life insurance
- Accidental & disablement benefits
- Medical benefits
- Maternity benefits
- Old-age protection
- Any other welfare program deemed necessary
11. Penalties, Non-Compliance & Recovery
- A Group-A officer will oversee non-compliance proceedings.
- Show-cause notices and due process are mandatory before imposing penalties.
- Fines must be paid within 30 days of order.
- Appeals to Government allowed within 30 days.
12. Quarterly Returns
- Platforms must upload quarterly returns in machine-readable format within 30 working days of each quarter’s end.
📌 Conclusion
The Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Rules, 2025 represent one of India’s most comprehensive regulatory frameworks for gig workers.
They focus heavily on:
- transparency in automated decisions
- mandatory social-security funding
- data privacy and secure digital systems
- strong grievance resolution
- occupational safety
- sector-wise compliance and reporting
Once implemented, they aim to formalize gig work as a secure and rights-based employment model in Karnataka.