Latest news with #ThawarchandGehlot
Mint
12 hours ago
- Business
- Mint
Mint Explainer: Will Karnataka's new ‘welfare' mandate mess up the gig economy?
The Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Ordinance, 2025, which Governor Thawarchand Gehlot approved on 27 May, marks a major regulatory shift. It mandates that digital platforms—from food-delivery apps to ride-hailing platforms—contribute between 1% and 5% of each transaction to a state-run welfare fund. This is aimed at improving protections for gig workers across the board. But what will this additional cost mean for platforms, gig workers, and consumers, and will it hamper the state's gig economy? Mint explains. Will platforms pass on the cost to consumers? Legal and policy experts said the cost was likely to be passed on to consumers. Platforms already charge users various fees over and above the cost of the service, including service fees, platform fees and delivery charges. This welfare fee could be included as a separate line item or as a general price hike, depending on what's more palatable to customers. 'In India, the burden of regulatory costs is almost always passed on to consumers, even when the intended impact is minimal. Unfortunately, the state has not taken any responsibility on its own shoulders, unlike the EU," said Ajai Garg, head of digital tech & law, Anand & Anand, and senior advisor at Koan Advisory. Also read: Indian gig workers who offer mobility services deserve GST relief However, platforms also need to remain competitive. Significant price hikes may provoke a consumer backlash, especially given the myriad fees already layered in to the final price. 'If the entire welfare cost is passed on to the end consumer through significant price hikes, it could trigger adverse reactions. Ultimately, consumers will likely feel the pinch immediately, which may impact their willingness to continue using the service, resulting in disruptions to the overall customer base and market sentiment," said Anshul Prakash, partner, Khaitan and Co. None of the major gig platforms—Uber, Ola, Rapido, Swiggy, Zomato and Zepto—responded to Mint's queries. What happens to platforms that use a software-as-a-service (SaaS) or zero-commission model? Not all platforms have the same revenue structure. Those that don't charge commissions, and instead use SaaS models in which gig workers pay a subscription fee, may look to raise those fees instead. Platforms that do collect commissions on every transaction could increase those slightly. 'Platforms will likely adjust their commission or subscription models, depending on their operating structure," said Garg. Could platforms absorb the cost themselves? In theory, platforms could absorb the additional cost, but experts said that was unlikely. 'Aggregator platforms need to focus on margin retention. That means any cost tied to each transaction is likely to be passed on through small price increases," Prakash said. This puts platforms in a tough spot. Many have already seen growth slowing in mature sectors such as food delivery, and now rely on high-growth verticals such as quick commerce to offset losses. Any dip in margins may affect their long-term viability. Also read: Is quick commerce eating into the food delivery market? 'This is going to be a tough balancing act, especially given that most of the growth in recent times has been limited to one or two kinds of platform work (quick commerce, for instance), while the older ones (such as food delivery) have not seen exponential growth," said Sowmya Kumar, partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas. What about worker contributions and compliance? The ordinance says gig workers must also contribute to the welfare fund, but offers no clarity on how or how much. This ambiguity makes implementation harder and opens the door to disputes. 'The ordinance specifies a 1-5% of welfare fee but doesn't explain how the actual percentage of contribution by aggregators will be determined. The structure of worker contributions remains unclear," said Prakash Gupta, lead, Centre for Inclusive Mobility at OMI Foundation, a policy research think tank in Delhi. Also read | Tip us first: Why new Uber push faces government ire Platforms will also have to invest in registration systems, fee payment tracking, and potentially algorithmic transparency mechanisms, especially if the rules mandate disclosure of how gig workers are assigned jobs or rated. With draft rules expected in the next two weeks, Karnataka, which has more than 800,000 gig workers, could soon set a precedent for other Indian states, provided it doesn't disrupt its own gig economy in the process.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Hindu
Karnataka govt accords ‘royal felicitation' to RCB for IPL 2025 victory
The government of Karnataka accorded a 'royal felicitation' to newly-crowned Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on the grand steps of the iconic Vidhana Soudha, the State secretariat, in Bengaluru on June 4. Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar honoured the Rajat Patidar-led squad with traditional Mysore peta (turban), garland and a shawl. Thousands of frenzied fans dressed in RCB jerseys waved red flags and gave a grand welcome to the new IPL champions. The team arrived at the State secretariat an hour behind the schedule. Captain Rajat Patidar was the first player to get down from the bus, holding the trophy. The trophy was kept in front of the stage for public viewing. On the way to the Vidhana Soudha, fans had gathered on both sides of Race Course Road. They were dancing and cheering the team, shouting 'RCB ... RCB...' Fans, who had come from all over the city, waited patiently for several hours outside the Vidhana Soudha to see their heroes and shouted the slogan 'Ee sala cup namdu' (this year the cup is ours). Mr. Siddaramaiah congratulated the RCB team for winning its maiden IPL title after a 17-year wait. 'I congratulate all the RCB team members, I also congratulate their fans. The whole country and the State is proud of them, RCB has never won the IPL. This is the eighteenth season, and they have won, and it has made me immensely happy,' Mr. Siddaramaiah said. Home Minister G. Parameshwara, who oversaw the arrangements at the Secretariat, ensured tight security at the venue. Earlier in the afternoon, the RCB team arrived in Bengaluru by a special flight. On landing at HAL airport, they were welcomed by Mr. Shivakumar. The team's most popular player, Virat Kohli, was welcomed with a Kannada flag at the airport.
BBC News
4 days ago
- General
- BBC News
At least 10 die in crush outside stadium in Bengaluru, India
At least 10 people have been killed in a crush outside a cricket stadium in the Indian city of Bengaluru, which was hosting a victory parade to celebrate the home team's Indian Premier League title win. Thousands of people - young and old - lined the streets on Wednesday to welcome the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) who beat the Punjab Kings in the IPL cricket final the day before. "About 10 people have died in the stampede at the gates of the Chinnaswamy stadium," a senior police official told BBC the tragedy struck, the gates of the stadium "were not even opened, but there were so many people trying to push through a small gate that the stampede took place," an official said. One police official told the BBC there were over 200,000 people who came out for the victory parade but they were only expecting half that amount. The RCB team had arrived by a special flight at the old HAL airport to be received by Karnataka Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar. They were taken in a procession to the was a precursor for the reception on the steps of the majestic Vidhana Soudha, seat of the state legislature, where Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and other ministers met the team was then scheduled to drive, again, in a procession to the stadium before the crush to the incident, masses of people from different parts of the city had moved towards the stadium on all modes of transport wearing RCB jerseys. Metro trains were so packed that several people - including this reporter - were not able to enter any compartment. All this while passengers inside the train and outside chanted the team's name in rickshaws and taxis did not respond to requests from people who wanted to be dropped anywhere near the stadium. Those who agreed dropped commuters several kilometres reports of people losing their lives in the crush spread, people started rushing away to metro stations. Authorities shut down the stations around the stadium as huge crowds had gathered on the platforms.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Brand Bengaluru Committee to propose creating multiple municipal corporations under GBA
The Brand Bengaluru Committee, earlier known as the Bengaluru Restructuring Committee, is gearing up to present three detailed proposals to the State government regarding the creation of multiple municipal corporations under the newly formed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). This move follows the official notification of the Greater Bengaluru Governance (GBG) Act, 2024. The committee, chaired by B.S. Patil, held its first formal meeting on Saturday since the Act's notification and began working on restructuring plans. The State government has formally mandated the committee to submit its recommendations concerning the formation of corporations, boundary delimitation, and associated governance structures. The panel is expected to reconvene later this week to continue its deliberations and refine its proposals. The GBG Act was recently notified after receiving the assent of Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot. As per the notification, the GBA will govern a jurisdiction of 709 square kilometers, matching the existing juridiction of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). However, despite the formation of the GBA, the BBMP will continue to function under the BBMP Act, 2020, until the civic body is officially restructured into multiple smaller corporations. Sources familiar with the ongoing discussions revealed that the committee is considering three governance models: splitting the BBMP into three, four, or five corporations. These options are based on the current population distribution across the city. Although senior bureaucrats had previously prepared a draft for a three-corporation model, the presence of several inaccuracies prompted the State government to seek more accurate and detailed recommendations from the committee. The panel possesses a wealth of demographic and urban data accumulated over years of research on city governance. This data will form the basis for its proposals. Committee members emphasised that their work will be independent, guided solely by empirical evidence and urban planning principles, and free from political or bureaucratic influence. Additionally, the committee will factor in the city's inevitable growth and future expansion as a core part of its planning and recommendations.
Hans India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
BBMP to be replaced with Greater Bengaluru Authority, says Siddaramaiah as bill comes into effect
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the Governor Thawarchand Gehlot has given assent to the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, and it will come into effect on Thursday. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) will be replaced with the newly formed Greater Bengaluru Authority, said the Chief Minister while speaking to the media at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. The Greater Bengaluru Bill has been passed in both the Houses of the state legislature, he added. "Bengaluru will be known as Greater Bengaluru now. There is a possibility of forming at least three corporations within the Greater Bengaluru region. The Chief Minister will serve as the chairperson of the authority, and appropriate decisions will be taken in the coming days," Siddaramaiah said. The Karnataka Government had officially notified the formation of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) on Tuesday, marking the end of the BBMP as the city's governing body. The state government has announced that the land coming under the BBMP has been notified as the land which will come under the GBA as per Section 1 (2) of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024. Until the procedures are done, the concerned officers will carry out powers and responsibilities in the BBMP. The Urban Development department has stated that an administrator would be appointed following the BBMP ceasing to exist. Once the administrator is appointed, the rules and guidelines will be formed. As per the GBA Act, the Authority under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister will have to be formed within 120 days. The Bengaluru Development Minister will be the Vice President. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is in-charge of the Bengaluru Development portfolio. The legislators, ministers from Bengaluru, mayors of corporations, Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) Commissioner, Bengaluru Water and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) President, Managing Directors of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) will be members. The Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban District, Bengaluru Police Commissioner and others would also be members. Sources said that the government wants to create three city corporations with 125 wards each, and boundaries will be identified. As per the act, all the regions coming under the GBA will be called as Bengaluru region. The Congress government in Karnataka on June 23, 2024, tabled the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, in the Assembly, which proposes to split the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) into many city corporations in the Greater Bengaluru Area. The government maintained that the Bill has been moved with the objective of effective, participatory, and responsive urban governance in the Greater Bengaluru Area. It also proposes to establish a Greater Bengaluru Authority for coordinating and supervising the development of the Greater Bengaluru Area. 'The provisions of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Act, 2020 (Act 53 of 2020) are inadequate to govern Bengaluru as they don't constitute any institutions that can address the fragmentation of governance in Bengaluru due to the multiplicity of civic agencies and lack of coordination between them,' the act states. The BJP and JD (S) are opposed to the implementation of the act. The BJP has staged a protest and called the move unconstitutional as it contradicts the 74th Constitutional Amendment. A representation was also made to the Governor in this regard.
