Labour Minister Santosh Lad Leads Push for Karnataka Bill Granting Social Security to Destitute Widow Women Workers

Bangalore Mail Political Bureau

Bangalore | January 5

Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad is at the forefront of a major social welfare initiative with the proposed Karnataka Destitute Widow Women Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2026, a draft legislation aimed at providing comprehensive, rights-based social security to widowed women workers living in poverty and economic distress.

The bill recognises destitute widow women workers as widows who are engaged or capable of being engaged in unorganised, informal, domestic, agricultural, home-based, self-employed, gig or casual work, but lack sufficient means of livelihood. The legislation explicitly bars discrimination on the basis of caste, religion, disability, marital status, migration or place of residence.

Mandatory Digital Registration

Under the proposed law, all eligible destitute widow women workers in Karnataka will be required to register through a state-managed digital portal. Registration certificates will remain valid for three years and must be renewed periodically to continue receiving benefits. Each beneficiary will be issued a unique identification number, integrated with platforms such as e-Shram, Seva Sindhu or Ambedkar Sahayahastha, enabling streamlined access to welfare schemes.

Guaranteed Rights and Entitlements

The bill guarantees widowed women workers the right to dignified employment free from forced labour, access to social security schemes, grievance redressal mechanisms, and participation in skill development and upskilling programmes supported by the state.

Wide-Ranging Welfare Measures

Key welfare provisions under the bill include:

• Immediate financial assistance in case of workplace accidents
• Medical expense coverage for beneficiaries and dependent family members
• Education assistance for children of registered beneficiaries
• Free skill upgradation, vocational training and re-skilling
• Self-employment support through Self-Help Groups, including funding for livestock-based livelihoods
• Counselling support on remarriage, mental health and social reintegration
• Home nursing and caregiving services during old age
• Funeral assistance to legal heirs upon the death of a beneficiary

Dedicated Welfare Board

The legislation proposes the establishment of the Karnataka State Destitute Widow Women Worker Social Security and Welfare Board, a tripartite body comprising government officials, worker representatives and trade unions. The Board will frame welfare schemes, manage funds, oversee implementation, maintain beneficiary databases and monitor compliance.

Funding Through Welfare Cess

To finance the schemes, the bill provides for the creation of a Destitute Widow Women Worker Social Security and Welfare Fund, sourced from state and central grants, worker contributions, CSR funding, donations, and a proposed welfare cess on petroleum products sold in Karnataka. The cess rate may be revised once every three years based on funding needs.

Grievance Redressal and Oversight

A structured grievance redressal mechanism allows beneficiaries to file complaints both online and offline, with provision for appeals. The Board will submit annual reports and audited accounts to the state government, ensuring legislative oversight and transparency.

Policy Significance

If enacted, the bill would mark a significant expansion of Karnataka’s labour welfare framework under Labour Minister Santosh Lad, formally recognising destitute widow women workers as rights-bearing contributors to the economy and extending long-term social protection to one of the state’s most vulnerable groups.