Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025

The Government of Karnataka initially promulgated the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Ordinance, 2025 on 27 May 2025 to provide a statutory framework for the welfare and social security of platform, based gig workers. The Ordinance was subsequently replaced by the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025, with effect from 30 May 2025. 

The legislation provides for the registration of platform, based gig workers and aggregators, establishes a Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Board and a dedicated Welfare Fund, and creates a framework for social security, occupational health, welfare measures, and grievance redressal. 

Aggregators are required to contribute to the Welfare Fund through the prescribed Gig Worker Welfare Fee, ranging from 1% to 5% of each transaction in the manner prescribed under the Act. The legislation also recognises the right of platform, based gig workers to decline or refuse work offered through digital platforms without adverse consequences, subject to the provisions of the Act. 

The Act applies to various categories of platform, based services, including ride, hailing, food and grocery delivery, logistics, professional services, healthcare, hospitality, travel, and content, based services. 

The legislation also prescribes penalties for specified instances of non, compliance, including failure to pay the prescribed welfare fee, failure to comply with registration requirements, and other statutory obligations. Employers and aggregators operating in Karnataka should review their existing compliance frameworks to ensure alignment with the requirements of the Act. 

Last Updated on 25 June, 2026