Karnataka plans domestic workers welfare bill with minimum wage, social security

The Karnataka government is set to roll out a first-of-its-kind Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, mandating registration, minimum wages, and welfare contributions for household staff across urban areas.

Karnataka is preparing to introduce a landmark Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, aimed at extending social security coverage, enforcing minimum wages, and ensuring welfare benefits for thousands of household workers in the state’s urban areas.

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The proposed legislation will cover maids, cooks, drivers, babysitters, nannies, gardeners, caregivers, and gig-based domestic staff, bringing them under a rights-based contributory social security framework. The bill mandates registration of every domestic worker, employer, placement agency, and digital platform, with employment details to be filed within 30 days of hiring.

At the heart of the bill is the creation of the Karnataka State Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Board, a tripartite body with equal representation from the state, workers’ unions, employers, service providers, and resident welfare associations. The board will manage a dedicated Social Security and Welfare Fund, oversee grievance redressal, and roll out welfare schemes such as workplace injury compensation, medical aid, pension, education support, maternity benefits, and funeral assistance.

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Employers, agencies, and digital platforms will be required to contribute up to 5% of wages as a welfare fee, payable digitally on a quarterly or half-yearly basis. Failure to match wage declarations with contributions will attract penalties. Written employment agreements will be mandatory, specifying wages, hours, and benefits in compliance with the model agreement.

The bill further guarantees minimum wages, overtime pay, weekly holidays, annual leave, maternity leave, and training programmes for registered workers, while prohibiting forced labour, discrimination, and abuse. District-level grievance committees will handle disputes, ensuring faster redressal.

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This comes after Karnataka’s Gig Workers Social Security and Welfare Bill (2024) and Cine and Cultural Activists Welfare Bill (2024), making the state a frontrunner in worker welfare reform. Telangana is also working on a similar bill for domestic workers’ protection.