Employers May Have To Register Domestic Workers, Pay 5% Welfare Fee As Karnataka Plans New Bill

Last Updated:September 20, 2025, 13:51 IST

The bill also proposes setting up the Karnataka State Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Board, which will be responsible for running welfare programs.

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Karnataka is considering introducing a new bill for the domestic workers. The bill seeks to provide social security, ensure minimum wage protection, and offer various welfare benefits.

According to sources cited by Moneycontrol, the bill aims to create a contributory, rights-based system where every domestic worker, including housemaids, cooks, drivers, and nannies, is officially registered.

The bill also proposes setting up the Karnataka State Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Board, which will be responsible for running welfare programs, ensuring proper enforcement, and addressing complaints.

The board will have members from all key sectors, including domestic workers and their unions, employers, service providers (including online platforms), and resident welfare association members.

The draft bill also requires employers, placement agencies, and digital platforms to pay up to 5 per cent of a worker’s wages into a dedicated Social Security and Welfare Fund.

“The employer or the service provider or the placement agency, including the platforms engaged in the services of providing employment or work opportunities to the domestic workers within the state of Karnataka, shall be liable to pay up to 5 percent of the wages or remuneration or pay out as the case may be paid to the domestic worker as a welfare fee through a digital transaction to the fund so created”, the draft bill said.

“The welfare fee so levied shall be paid to the fund once every quarter or every six months by submitting wage calculation sheet in the format so prescribed and uploading the same in the digital portal annually by such employers. Provided, if the annual statements so uploaded doesn’t match the actual welfare fee so paid, such employers are liable for penalty under the act”, it said.

The funds will be managed by the tripartite welfare board. The board will also be responsible for managing the fund, launching welfare programs, and carrying out inspections.

The domestic workers will get benefits like support for medical costs, compensation for workplace injuries, pensions, educational assistance, and help with funeral expenses.

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Anushka Vats

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her…Read More

Anushka Vats is a Sub-Editor at News18.com with a passion for storytelling and a curiosity that extends beyond the newsroom. She covers both national and international news. For more stories, you can follow her… Read More

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