The Karnataka government is about to propose a law to regulate the working conditions of domestic workers in the state.
According to the draft of the Karnataka Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, 2025, all domestic workers employed within the state, service providers, and employers must register with the authorities (which will be notified by the state government) concerned.
The bill also requires the state to set up a state Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Board.
In consultation with this Board, the government would be tasked with fixing minimum wages and a normal working day, with the Bill capping the working duration at 48 hours per week.
To fund social security and other welfare schemes for registered domestic workers and their families, the draft Bill proposes either a welfare fee of up to five per cent of workers' wages, to be paid by employers or service providers, or a one pc levy on property tax collected by municipal bodies. The fund would also be supplemented by fines and government grants.
The proposed law outlines penalties for non-compliance.
If employers fail to register or renew registration, and are paying less than minimum wages, or violating other provisions, they are liable to face imprisonment of up to six months and fines ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000.
Consultations for the Bill are still underway.
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