Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Aug 19: In a significant move to safeguard the rights and well-being of gig economy workers, the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Tuesday passed the Gig Workers’ Welfare Bill, aimed at providing social and economic security to lacs of workers engaged with app-based platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Uber, and other digital commerce services.

The bill was tabled by labour minister Santosh Lad, who stated that the legislation seeks to bring transparency to platform-based employment systems and make platform operators accountable for workers' welfare.

“This new concept has now arrived in our country. Several nations already have such laws in place. As the digital economy grows year after year, it is essential to ensure protections for those working within it,” Lad said while presenting the bill.

According to NITI Aayog, India has approximately 23.5 million gig workers, and Karnataka is home to an estimated 4 lac of them, many of whom use two-wheelers, autos, and cars for their platform-based work.

The new bill allows for the creation of a Welfare Board and the establishment of a welfare fund specifically for gig workers. It also introduces provisions for transparent automated supervision and decision-making frameworks, compelling platform companies to be more accountable in their operations.

Lad highlighted that most gig workers operate in urban environments facing severe traffic congestion, air pollution, and noise pollution, which have led to health concerns. In response, the government will provide health insurance coverage of up to Rs 2 lac for registered gig workers.

The minister added that 10,560 gig workers have already registered under the platform created for this initiative.

The bill received bipartisan support, with members from both the ruling and opposition parties welcoming the move. It was passed by voice vote following Speaker U T.Khader putting it to the floor.