Draft Bill for Gig Workers in Karnataka
Source: The Print
GS II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation
Overview
- News in Brief
- Features of the bill
- Who are Gig Workers?
Why in the News?
Karnataka will be 2nd state after Rajasthan to have legislation for the welfare of gig workers.
News in Brief
- Karnataka government is about to propose the Karnataka “Gig Workers (Conditions of Service and Welfare) Bill, 2024,” a new legislation for the welfare of Gig workers.
- The statutory framework for the gig economy in India includes the Code on Social Security (2020), which aims to extend government benefits to gig workers but has not yet been implemented, and the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH) Code, 2020, which provides various social security benefits such as life and disability coverage, health and maternity benefits, and old-age protection.
- The central government has included gig workers in the social security code that was passed by the Parliament in 2020, it has not been implemented as the government has yet to frame the rules.
Features of the bill
- Income security, ensuring occupational safety and a strong grievance redressal mechanism including imposing penalties on aggregators for violations are among the key provisions the Karnataka government plans to propose in new legislation for the welfare of gig workers.
- The state government is yet to finalise the Karnataka Gig Workers (Conditions of Service and Welfare) Bill, 2024, it shared a draft with stakeholders during a meeting last week.
Who are Gig Workers?
- Gig workers are individuals who are employed on a transactional basis, either by time or task, enjoying the flexibility to choose their working hours and falling outside the traditional employer-employee relationship.
- They are typically not classified as traditional employees and do not receive benefits such as health insurance, paid leave, or retirement contributions from the companies they work for. Instead, they enjoy flexibility in their work schedules and may have the ability to choose the projects they take on.
Key Facts
- Rise of the Gig Economy: The gig economy has experienced significant growth in recent years, facilitated by advances in technology and the proliferation of digital platforms connecting workers with clients or customers.
- Diverse Occupations: Gig work spans a wide range of industries and occupations, including ride-hailing drivers, delivery couriers, freelance writers, graphic designers, and software developers, among others.
- Global Reach: Gig work is prevalent worldwide, with platforms like Uber, Lyft, Upwork, and Fiverr operating in numerous countries and regions, providing opportunities for workers across borders.
- Income Variability: While gig work offers flexibility, it can also result in income instability due to fluctuations in demand, seasonal trends, or changes in platform policies. Gig workers may experience periods of high earnings followed by periods of financial uncertainty.
Way Forward:
- Regulatory Framework: Develop and implement regulations that strike a balance between flexibility and protection for gig workers, ensuring fair wages, access to benefits, and labour rights.
- Social Safety Nets: Explore alternative models for providing benefits such as healthcare, retirement savings, and unemployment insurance to gig workers, considering their non-traditional employment status.
- Worker Empowerment: Promote initiatives that empower gig workers to advocate for their rights, access training and skill development opportunities, and build solidarity within their communities.
- Platform Accountability: Hold gig economy platforms accountable for their labour practices, data privacy policies, and algorithms that may impact workers’ rights and well-being.
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