Santosh Lad’s initiative Gig Workers’ Welfare Board to be formed on Ambedkar Jayanti

TEAM BM

In a significant move aimed at safeguarding the interests of gig workers, the Karnataka government has announced plans to establish a dedicated Gig Workers’ Welfare Board on 14th April on Ambedkar Jayanthi. This initiative by Labour minister Santosh Lad , seeks to address the unique challenges faced by millions engaged in the gig economy m.

The gig economy has experienced remarkable growth in Karnataka, particularly in urban centers like Bengaluru. Platforms such as Amazon, Flipkart, Ola, Uber, Swiggy, and Zomato have become integral to daily life along with freelancers, and other contract-based workers, offering flexible employment opportunities.

However, while these workers play a vital role in keeping the wheels of the economy turning, they’ve been left out of traditional labor laws. Unlike full-time employees, they don’t receive benefits like paid sick leave, retirement funds, insurance, or health coverage. This is where the new welfare board steps in.

The establishment of the Gig Workers’ Welfare Board was a prominent promise made by the Congress party during the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This commitment reflects the party’s recognition of the growing importance of gig workers and the need to provide them with adequate social security measures. This initiative also aligns with the Code on Social Security, 2020, introduced by the Government of India.

Santosh Lad has been instrumental in advancing this initiative in consultation with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. In April 2025, Lad , along with Siddaramaiah met with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi to discuss the implementation of the Gig Workers’ Welfare Act. During this meeting, CM Siddaramaiah emphasized the government’s commitment to establishing the welfare board and outlined the proposed funding mechanisms, including a 5% cess on e-commerce and aggregator platforms like Uber and Swiggy.

Labour Minister Santosh Lad has been actively involved in driving this policy, and the proposed funding from the cess is expected to ensure that gig workers receive the security they deserve. The board will provide benefits along with creating a safety net for gig workers who often face uncertainty in their day-to-day lives.

This initiative is not just a step forward for Karnataka but could also serve as a model for other states. It’s a much-needed reminder that gig workers, though often invisible, are an essential part of our economy.