Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers’ Welfare Board Notified under 2025 Act

Key facts

• The Karnataka government formally notified the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers’ Welfare Board under Section 33 of the Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Act, 2025.
• The 16-member board is chaired by the Labour Minister as the ex-officio chairperson and includes a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) functioning as Member Secretary.
• The board composition includes five government representatives, four aggregator platforms, four gig worker unions, and two civil society organisations.
• Aggregator representatives on the board include Porter, Zomato, Uber, and Amazon, while the Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy and IT for Change represent civil society.
• Gig worker representatives include Vinay Sarathy of United Food Delivery Partners’ Union (UFDPU), Mohammed Inayath Ali of Indian Federation of App-based Transport Workers (IFAT), Satyananda of AITUC Karnataka, and Tanveer Pasha of Ola Uber Drivers’ and Owners’ Association.
• The state government will levy a welfare fee of 1-1.5% on every transaction on aggregator platforms to fund social security benefits including accident insurance, health coverage, and maternity benefits.
• The Act mandates algorithmic transparency in automated decision-making systems and requires a 14-day notice period with written reasons for the termination of workers.
• Azim Premji Philanthropic Initiatives has been named as a special invitee and technical expert on digital platforms and data for the board.
• The Act includes a reconciliation clause ensuring welfare fees paid to the state count toward contributions required under the Central Code on Social Security, 2020.