The Karnataka government has decided to set up a welfare committee for gig workers, the prime minister Siddharamaiah’s office said on Thursday.
The decision follows discussions between Siddharamaiah in New Delhi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, Rahul Gandhi asked about the timeline for the development of the Gig Workers Welfare Act, which he promised in the election with his Bharat Jodh Yatra.
“The Karnataka government has decided to establish a Gig Workers Welfare Committee to ensure the well-being of workers employed in companies such as Amazon, Flipkart, Ola and Uber,” the statement said.
Additionally, 5% cess was collected from the relevant companies and state government said it would provide the remaining funds needed to support the welfare scheme for gig workers.
“A comprehensive bill covering all aspects of gig workers’ welfare will be prepared and presented before the state cabinet for approval,” the statement added.
Representatives of the three gig workers – Rakshissadev, Sheikhsalafdin and Nikhildev were invited to the meeting. They highly valued the government’s initiative and expressed hope for improved working conditions.
State Ministers Santosh Rad, Priyank Kaj and MB Patil attended the meeting. Santosh Rad was quoted as saying that Rahul Gandhi, who had previously advocated gig workers’ rights during Bharat Jodh Yatra, welcomed the 8-point proposal created by the Labour Bureau.
Gandhi also highlighted the need for rapid implementation to protect the interests of gig workers.
“The Karnataka Labor Bureau has already introduced three important bills: it covers workers’ gratuities, film workers’ rights and now gig workers’ welfare. The unorganized worker sector praised the government’s efforts and expanded its full support for this progressive move.”
