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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Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
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Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
