The Government of Karnataka has finalised the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Rules, 2025 after considering public objections and suggestions received on the draft rules published on June 30, 2025.

• The Rules establish the full governance framework for the Gig Workers Welfare Board, including meetings, quorum, allowances, record-keeping and annual reporting requirements.
• Mandatory registration of all aggregators/platforms on the Board’s designated portal, with requirement to upload entity details and obtain a Unique Registration Number.
• Aggregators operating multiple platforms need only a single legal-entity registration, but must notify additions of new platforms within 30 working days.
• Mandatory gig-worker database uploading in machine-readable format, with updates on additions/deactivations within 7 days, ensuring complete worker traceability.
• Strict compliance with data security and encryption standards, and Board responsibility for protecting worker data in line with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
• The Board will publish a public register of aggregators, containing key identification fields (CIN, GST, PAN, authorised contact, etc.).
• Aggregators must provide workers a mechanism to obtain information regarding automated decision-making systems affecting fares, ratings or earnings.
• Every aggregator must establish an Internal Dispute Resolution Committee (IDRC) with mandatory representation of senior gig workers, including women members.
• Grievances must be resolved by the IDRC within 15 working days, appeals disposed by the Board’s authorised person within 30 working days.
• A further grievance remedy exists before the Grievance Redressal Officer, and a final appeal before the Appellate Authority, which must decide cases within 90 days.
• The Board will issue sector-specific Occupational Safety & Health standards, and aggregators must comply within 3 months of issue.
• Mandatory multilingual disclosures (Kannada + English + worker-preferred language) on grievance mechanisms, welfare deductions, accident relief, termination rules and insurance benefits.
• Comprehensive framework for welfare fee calculation, payment, deposit, refund and shortfall recovery, including quarterly self-declaration and mandatory electronic remittances.
• All transactions must be reported on the Payment & Welfare Fee Verification System (PWFVS) within 7 days, covering payout details, worker IDs, welfare fee and transaction dates.
• Clear penalty framework: show-cause notices, fines, recovery, restrictions for non-compliant aggregators, and procedures for reconsideration by the State Government.
• The Board is empowered to manage and invest the Welfare Fund, formulate benefits (life insurance, accident, disability, maternity, medical, old-age protection), and approve annual budgets.