Karnataka Govt Announces Rs 4 Lakh Insurance Cover For Gig Workers
The Karnataka government has offered a Rs 4 lakh insurance cover for gig workers in the state budget.
The 'Karnataka State Gig Workers Insurance Scheme' would be administered through the Karnataka State Unorganised Workers' Social Security Board, according to an order dated 8th September. This programme will cover both full-time and part-time employees in food and grocery delivery apps, as well as courier platforms. The insurance cover of Rs 4 lakh includes Rs 2 lakh for life insurance and Rs 2 lakh for accidental insurance.
The state government will shoulder the costs, although no information regarding the scheme's funding has been released. Santosh Lad, Karnataka's labour minister, recently proposed putting a 5 per cent cess on newly registered vehicles to assist the welfare of the state's informal and gig workers.
Hospital charges of up to Rs 1 lakh would be reimbursed under the scheme and payments will be available in cases of on-the-job and off-the-job injuries, but only for active personnel. They must apply within one year following the injury or death.
While the state government does not have data on gig workers, NITI Aayog's 2022 data shows that there are approximately 2.33 lakh in Karnataka.
According to the directive, this move will assist gig workers who are registered on the government's official online platform. Beneficiaries' legal heirs and siblings of unmarried workers are also entitled for compensation. They must apply directly through the Seva Sindhu site, providing all required documentation, including the e-labor identity card number.
