After notification, the welfare fee will be collected from aggregator platforms. The amount will be transferred to the Karnataka Gig Workers’ Social Security and Welfare Fund. Officials said the process will begin after the gig workers’ welfare board is formally constituted. Karnataka is among the first states to implement a funding model under gig worker welfare law.

The Karnataka Platform-based Gig Workers Act allows the government to impose a fee between one and five percent. Different rates and transaction caps are also permitted under the Act. However, the state chose a uniform rate after consultations with industry stakeholders.

The framework does not clarify who will bear the financial burden. Platforms may absorb the cost or pass it on to consumers. Industry executives earlier warned that fresh levies could affect profitability. The welfare fund will also receive worker contributions and government grants. The fund will support health cover, accident insurance, and social security benefits.

The post Karnataka to Launch Gig Welfare Fee Framework appeared first on India Podcast.

Devaraj Urs served as chief minister for a total of 2,792 days across two terms between 1972 and 1980. Siddaramaiah matched the record earlier this week and then moved ahead. He earlier completed a full five-year term from 2013 to 2018, a rare achievement in the state’s politics.

Since returning to power in May 2023, Siddaramaiah has completed 963 days in his second term so far. At 77, he remains one of the most experienced leaders in Karnataka. He stated that he never entered politics to break records and expressed confidence in completing his term.

The achievement comes amid talk of a power-sharing arrangement with Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar. Shivakumar congratulated Siddaramaiah and wished him well. Supporters celebrated across Karnataka by hosting community feasts, many serving the chief minister’s favourite nati koli.

The post Historic Milestone: Siddaramaiah Sets New Karnataka Record appeared first on India Podcast.

The State is studying several measures to make its spending more effective. One plan is to streamline guarantee scheme beneficiaries. Only eligible people may continue to receive support so that leakages come down and welfare programmes work better.

Karnataka is also looking at removing old schemes that no longer give meaningful results. By ending such programmes, the government can shift funds to projects that create higher impact.

Another idea under review is improving expenditure on human resources. Departments may review their staff structure, cut non-essential posts, and increase administrative efficiency. These steps aim to reduce financial pressure without disturbing key public services.

Senior officials said discussions are still going on. Final decisions will be taken after considering long-term financial stability. More clarity is expected once the winter session ends.

The post GST Rate Rationalisation: Karnataka Govt Mulls Steps to Tackle Revenue Mobilisation Challenges appeared first on India Podcast.

In their self-declaration, the couple mentioned that they are economically, socially, and educationally advanced, and their participation would not serve the intended purpose of identifying and assisting backward classes.

The Karnataka government had made participation in the survey voluntary, following High Court directives. However, their decision has sparked a public debate on issues of social responsibility, privilege, and the broader intent behind such surveys meant to ensure fair representation and welfare measures for underprivileged communities.

The post Infosys Founder Narayana Murthy and Sudha Murty Decline Participation in Karnataka Caste Survey appeared first on India Podcast.

In the letter, the couple stated that they do not belong to any backward caste and that providing information would not serve any purpose. “We and our family will not participate in the census,” Narayana Murthy wrote. Their decision highlights growing concerns about privacy in the survey.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar participated in the census at his Bengaluru residence. Enumerators asked multiple questions on caste, religion, and other personal details, with Shivakumar expressing mild irritation at repeated questioning.

The deadline for the Karnataka caste census has been extended. Schools now operate on a half-day schedule, and the survey will conclude statewide by October 12 and in Bengaluru by October 24. So far, about 83% of households have been covered, with 1.22 crore households enumerated out of 1.43 crore.

The post Narayana Murthy Declines Karnataka Caste Census appeared first on India Podcast.

The Devadasi survey in Karnataka comes after earlier surveys in 1993 and 2007. Both recorded thousands of women, but activists argued that many were left out. This time, the government hopes to prepare a more reliable database. However, poor communication has created challenges. Many women remain unaware of the ongoing survey due to inadequate publicity.

Field workers reported that participants are uncertain about which documents to submit. Some women asked if Aadhaar cards alone would work. Others believed ration cards or certificates from local bodies were compulsory. This uncertainty has discouraged several from registering. Activists fear that complicated rules will exclude those most in need of government support.

Activist groups also raised another concern. They pointed out that many former Devadasis live in remote villages and cannot travel to survey centers easily. They want the government to provide door-to-door support, simplified forms, and awareness drives.

The Karnataka government assured that complaints would be reviewed quickly. Officials stated that the survey process is flexible and that no woman will be excluded for lack of a specific document. They also promised to release updated instructions to field officers.

Despite the confusion, the survey is seen as a critical step. Activists hope it will finally provide accurate data, stronger rehabilitation programs, and lasting social justice for women affected by the Devadasi practice.

The post Devadasi Survey Begins in Karnataka Amid Confusion appeared first on India Podcast.

Parameshwara responded to the BJP’s call for an NIA probe, stating that the SIT is investigating the case thoroughly. He clarified that if the Enforcement Directorate (ED) wants to investigate any funding related to the alleged conspiracy, the government cannot stop them.

Regarding BJP state President B.Y. Vijayendra’s visit to the home of Soujanya, the minor girl who was allegedly kidnapped and murdered in 2012, Parameshwara reiterated that the case stays with the SIT. He emphasized that no external intervention is necessary.

The minister also addressed reports of a woman claiming to have seen the kidnapping in Dharmasthala, stating that the SIT will investigate all such statements. Parameshwara assured the public that the investigation is ongoing and is being conducted properly, without any lapses.

The post Karnataka Govt Rejects BJP Demand for NIA in Dharmasthala Murders appeared first on India Podcast.