Karnataka is drafting a new law to provide social security benefits to domestic workers, including house helps, caretakers, housekeeping staff, and home nurses.
The move comes soon after the state introduced a similar bill for gig workers.
According to a draft of the Karnataka Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025, the law will extend right-based contributory social security and welfare schemes to thousands of workers in the sector.
The draft makes it mandatory for employers and domestic workers to sign written agreements. These will specify wages, working hours, benefits, and welfare contributions. Registration of all domestic workers, employers, and service providers — including digital platforms — will also be compulsory through a government portal.
A Karnataka State Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Board will be set up to frame welfare schemes, monitor funds, and provide skill training. The Board will include representatives from the government, workers’ unions, employers, service providers, and resident welfare associations.
To fund the schemes, the draft proposes either a welfare fee of up to 5% of workers’ wages from employers or service providers, or a 1% levy on property tax collected by municipal bodies.
Strict penalties are also outlined.
Employers or agencies that fail to register may face up to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of ₹20,000. Repeat offenders could face harsher punishment. Employers paying below minimum wages may face up to six months in jail.
The draft bill is still in its early stages. It will undergo scrutiny, stakeholder consultations, and public objections before being introduced in the cabinet and later in the state assembly.