Karnataka govt seeks inputs, suggestions on Gig and Platform Workers' Bill

Representational picture

The Karnataka government is seeking inputs and suggestions for the proposed Gig and Platform Workers' Bill.

The Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) recently facilitated a consultative session with additional labour commissioner (industrial relations) Manjunath Gangadhara, on the bill, which is soon to be placed in the assembly.

The government aims to gather crucial feedback and suggestions from all stakeholders in the gig workers and aggregators community to incorporate into the draft bill.

Also Read: After Rajasthan, Karnataka notifies Rs 4 lakh insurance cover for gig workers

Gangadhara said, “It is essential that these discussions continue to assist the government in formulating a comprehensive policy. The government has already announced accident and life insurance for gig workers in the budget session and is currently in the process of notifying the draft bill for ‘Gig and Platform Workers",

Further, he said: "It is the government's intention to introduce an all-inclusive legislation that regulates working conditions and service conditions and establishes a fund through the Gig and Platform Workers Welfare Board to provide social security and protection to gig workers. Without data and information, the government cannot formulate an effective policy.”

Also Read: Karnataka labour minister proposes 5% cess on vehicles to support informal and gig workers

MN Vidyashankar of BCIC, said, “It is crucial that the emerging policy accurately captures and addresses the concerns of gig workers, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in the evolving landscape of the gig economy.”

Also Read: Karnataka Congress manifesto promises to constitute gig workers' welfare board, earmarks Rs 3,000 crore fund

Representatives from the industry, including Ola, Uber, Flipkart, Zomato, Dunzo, FreshOn, Zepto, OMI Foundation, Wadhwani Institute of Technology, UWSSB, and other participants, raised several concerns and offered suggestions on various issues, including a clear definition of a gig worker, social security for gig workers, utility of the welfare fund, incentives, financial levy mechanisms, and a fair distinction between the ride-sharing space and the third-sided marketplace.

Also Read: Ola scores a duck for third consecutive year in rankings for fairness of gig work