state legislation Archives - India Podcast https://indiapodcast.com/tag/state-legislation/ Audio-Video-Text Thu, 08 Jan 2026 04:55:11 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://indiapodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/cropped-favicon-32x32.png state legislation Archives - India Podcast https://indiapodcast.com/tag/state-legislation/ 32 32 Karnataka to Launch Gig Welfare Fee Framework https://indiapodcast.com/karnataka-to-launch-gig-welfare-fee-framework/ Thu, 08 Jan 2026 04:55:11 +0000 https://www.indiapodcast.com/?p=42992 The Karnataka government will operationalise its long-pending social security framework for gig workers within a week. Labour Minister Santosh Lad confirmed the development on Monday. Aggregator platforms will face a uniform welfare fee of 1–1.5 percent on each transaction. The labour department will issue the official notification shortly. After notification, the welfare fee will be […]

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]]> The Karnataka government will operationalise its long-pending social security framework for gig workers within a week. Labour Minister Santosh Lad confirmed the development on Monday. Aggregator platforms will face a uniform welfare fee of 1–1.5 percent on each transaction. The labour department will issue the official notification shortly.

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.

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]]> Karnataka Bets Big on Hate Law https://indiapodcast.com/karnataka-bets-big-on-hate-law/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 07:47:37 +0000 https://www.indiapodcast.com/?p=42649 The Karnataka government has introduced a new law to curb rising hate speech and hate crimes in the state. The Congress-led government argues that unchecked hate speech often leads to communal tension and real-world violence. The bill was passed by the state legislature last month and now awaits the governor’s approval. Hate speech has grown […]

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]]> The Karnataka government has introduced a new law to curb rising hate speech and hate crimes in the state. The Congress-led government argues that unchecked hate speech often leads to communal tension and real-world violence. The bill was passed by the state legislature last month and now awaits the governor’s approval.

Hate speech has grown sharply in recent years, driven by social media and television debates. A recent report showed hate speech against minorities rose by 74% in 2024, especially during national elections. The government says existing laws failed to address new digital challenges, making stronger action necessary.

The Karnataka Hate Speech and Hate Crimes (Prevention) Bill, 2025, defines hate speech across public platforms, including social media. It allows the state to direct digital platforms to remove such content. The bill also makes hate crimes non-bailable, with jail terms of up to seven years and financial penalties.

Opposition parties and legal experts have raised concerns over free speech and misuse. The BJP claims the law could silence critics and media voices. Legal experts warn vague definitions may lead to overreach by police authorities. The government insists safeguards exist and says the law will ensure accountability without political interference.

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