Karnataka Domestic Workers draft bill mandates written agreement, registration, minimum wage
Bengaluru: According to the Karnataka Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) draft bill, domestic workers cannot be employed without a written agreement between employers and workers, and employers who violate the provisions could face penalties, including imprisonment for up to three months.
The draft, prepared by the Labour Department, cited by Deccan Herald, was made public on Wednesday. It outlines several key provisions aimed at ensuring fair treatment for domestic workers, such as mandating minimum wages, reasonable working hours, overtime pay, and providing benefits like rest periods, annual leave, and maternity benefits. Citizens will have a month’s time to submit suggestions or objections.
One of the major aspects of the draft is the regulation of working hours. The bill stipulates that the total working hours per week cannot exceed 48 hours. It also ensures that workers receive either a full-day holiday or two half-day holidays each week.
The draft defines “domestic worker” as one employed for domestic work either directly or indirectly, or through a contract or a digital platform, who works for remuneration for one or more employers by staying at the household premises or otherwise. This can include part-time or full-time workers, as well as casual, temporary, piece-meal, gig work, and migrant workers.
A crucial aspect of the bill is the mandatory registration of both domestic workers and their employers. As per the draft, if a domestic worker is illiterate or a migrant, the employer, service provider, or placement agency must ensure that the worker is registered within one month of starting employment. Employers are required to complete their registration within the same timeframe, while service providers must register within a month of the commencement of the act.
In cases where a domestic worker changes their place of employment or migrates, they must inform the registration authorities within 30 days.
Another significant provision in the draft targets the protection of vulnerable workers. Anyone found sending women or girls for immoral purposes, abusing or illegally confining domestic workers, or using children as domestic workers could face prison sentences ranging from three to seven years, along with fines up to Rs 50,000.
The draft also mandates the creation of the Karnataka State Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Board. This board will will administer and monitor the Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund. It will have equal representation from domestic workers, employers, service providers, placement agencies, and government officials.
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Akash Singh says signature celebration fuels motivation, reinforces dominance
Lucknow (PTI): Pacer Akash Singh caught the eye with his unique celebration during Lucknow Super Giants' win over Chennai Super Kings, pulling out a piece of paper from his pocket after a wicket, a gesture he said was aimed at "motivating" himself and "asserting dominance" over batters.
The left-arm pacer pulled out a scrappy piece of paper after each of the three wickets he took in LSG seven-wicket win over CSK, with the message reading: "Akki on fire -- Akash knows how to take wickets in T20 cricket.
The 24-year-old, who began his IPL journey with Rajasthan Royals and was part of Chennai Super Kings’ title-winning campaign in 2023 before moving to Lucknow Super Giants, registered his best IPL figures with 3 for 26 on Friday.
"'Akki knows how to take wickets in T20 cricket', right?" Akash said when asked about the message on the piece of paper, adding that it serves as a source of motivation and helps him focus on dominating batters and delivering stronger performances for the team.
"Different things motivate different people. Some days I show the paper, some days I don't, but it reflects my mindset on that particular day. When you carry a piece of paper with something written on it, you manifest things and the most important part is when those manifestations actually materialise," he added.
Akash, who hails from Bharatpur in Rajasthan, said the strong backing from the Lucknow Super Giants support staff over the last two years had played a huge role in his growth as a cricketer.
"I've been with LSG for two years and the most important thing has been the backing from the coaches, even when I'm not in the playing XI. This year we have Bharat Arun sir, last year Zaheer sir was there...Tom Moody. The way they guide us, prepare us and keep us ready for opportunities is very important when there are 25 players in the squad," he said.
"When you are not playing, you naturally seek backing and every player wants to make the most of the opportunities he gets. The support from the captain also matters a lot and with Rishabh bhaiya backing you, the confidence grows and you are able to perform better," Akash said, referring to Rishabh Pant.
Akash said Pant had asked him to trust his strengths ahead of the clash against CSK.
"He told me that the new ball is my strength and that I can swing it both ways. So I just tried to make the best use of my skills. The wicket also had good bounce, so I focused on using the bouncer effectively,” added Akash.
On his success against CSK, Akash said his experience of playing in the IPL since 2020, including a stint with CSK, helped him understand the opposition batters better, while backing his own strengths with the ball also played a key role in his impressive spell.
"Obviously, when you play in the IPL and have shared the dressing room with some players, you understand their strengths and weaknesses. My focus was first to back my own strengths, then exploit their weaknesses and also make the best use of what the wicket was offering," Akash said.
Akash said he had sensed over the last two-three games that an opportunity could come his way after being repeatedly told to "be ready", though he admitted he was unfortunate not to get a chance earlier.
"Two days before the match, during practice, I was told to be ready," he said.
Clarifying that he had not been carrying the piece of paper in anticipation, Akash said he often notes down thoughts that could help improve his game..
"Whenever I’m alone or about to sleep, any thought that comes to my mind which can help my cricket, I write it down. The other night I got this thought and jotted it down on paper," he added.
