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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
