Karnataka domestic worker’s draft bill proposes 5% welfare fee, 48-hour work week, fines up to Rs 50,000; seeks public suggestions

Karnataka government on October 15 published the draft of Karnataka Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025 in the state gazette for public feedback, inviting objections and suggestions from citizens within 30 days.

The draft bill aims to ensure decent working conditions, social security, and welfare for domestic workers across the state.

Moneycontrol had first reported on the development on September 19 in an article titled, ‘You may need to register your maid, pay up to 5% welfare fee as Karnataka plans bill for domestic workers.’

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Broad coverage and scope

The proposed legislation applies to all domestic workers, employers, recruitment agencies, service providers, and digital platforms operating under the metropolitan and municipal councils within Karnataka.

However, it excludes domestic workers migrating outside the state for employment. It defines domestic workers broadly to include live-in, part-time, temporary, replacement, casual, and migrant workers.

“All domestic workers, employers, and service providers will be required to register with the authorities through a digital portal. Registration certificates will remain valid for three years and must be renewed to continue accessing social security benefits. Employers and service providers will also be responsible for registering illiterate or migrant domestic workers on their behalf”, the draft bill said.

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Welfare fund and financing

The draft Bill proposes the establishment of a Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund, to be managed by the Karnataka Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Board. The board will provide Unique Identification Number to every beneficiary. The fund will finance welfare schemes for registered workers and their families through contributions from multiple sources. It will be supported by registration fees from domestic workers, employers, and service providers, up to 5 percent of welfare fees collected from employers and service providers, fines imposed under the Act, grants and contributions from the Central or state government, and income from interest earned on the Board’s bank investments.

The fund will be used to provide health coverage, accident compensation, maternity and paternity benefits, financial support for children’s education, pension schemes for retired or disabled domestic workers, and funeral assistance to legal heirs.

The board will prepare an annual budget for state government approval, and its accounts will be audited by the Controller and Auditor General of Karnataka. A dedicated digital portal will ensure transparency in registrations and contributions.

Working conditions and rights

Domestic workers will be entitled to minimum wages, overtime pay, reasonable working hours, rest periods, annual leave, maternity benefits, social security schemes, and grievance redressal mechanisms. Employers will be prohibited from hiring domestic workers without a written employment agreement outlining terms of work, wages, and benefits.

Working hours will be capped at 48 hours per week or one full day holiday or staggered half day holiday twice a week.

Penalties and enforcement

District-level grievance committees will be constituted to handle disputes between employers, domestic workers, and service providers. Violations such as employing unregistered workers, non-payment of wages, forced labour, sexual exploitation, or child labour will attract imprisonment and fines ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000, depending on the severity.

Public consultation

The state government will consider feedback received during the 30-day consultation period before finalising the Bill. According to the labour department, objections and suggestions may be submitted to secretary, labour department, Vikasa Soudha, Bengaluru.

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