Karnataka State Domestic Workers Union alleges the state budget ignored job security and welfare of thousands of female domestic workers, urges the and government to form a welfare board
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Domestic Workers Union (KSDWU) has strongly criticised the Government of Karnataka for allegedly ignoring the concerns of female domestic workers in the recently presented state budget. The union expressed deep dissatisfaction over the absence of provisions addressing job security, welfare benefits and social protection for domestic workers across the state.
In a statement issued by the union, leaders said the budget presented under Chief Minister Siddaramaiah failed to acknowledge the growing challenges faced by women employed in the domestic work sector.
Demand to Implement Karnataka Domestic Workers Bill 2025
The union highlighted that the state government had already prepared a draft legislation titled the Karnataka Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill–2025, which aims to establish a legal framework for protecting the rights of domestic workers and ensuring their access to welfare schemes.
According to the union, thousands of domestic workers had expected that the draft bill would be formally introduced and implemented as law during the current budget session. However, the budget announcement did not include any measures to move forward with the proposed legislation.
“Domestic workers were hopeful that the Karnataka Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill–2025 would be implemented during this budget session. Unfortunately, the budget has completely ignored the issue of job security and welfare,” the union said.
Growing Workforce, Rising Challenges
The Karnataka State Domestic Workers Union, which functions under the Karnataka Industrial & General Services Employees’ Federation (KIGSEF) and is associated with the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), said the number of women engaged in domestic work is steadily increasing due to changing social and economic conditions.
However, union leaders claimed that domestic workers continue to face wage discrimination, exploitation, harassment and lack of statutory benefits, with many working without formal contracts or legal protection.
They argued that the absence of clear policies and welfare mechanisms leaves thousands of women workers vulnerable to abuse and financial insecurity.
Call for Separate Welfare Board
The union has urged the Karnataka government to immediately implement the Karnataka Domestic Workers Bill–2025 and establish a dedicated welfare board for domestic workers, particularly women.
Leaders also demanded that specific budgetary allocations be made before the state budget is approved to ensure the formation and functioning of the proposed welfare board.
“A separate welfare board must be formed to address the social security needs of domestic workers and to ensure they receive statutory benefits and protection,” the union stated.
Union Appeals for Immediate Government Action
The statement, issued by Divya S Biradar, State Coordinator of the Karnataka State Domestic Workers Union, called on the government to take urgent action to address the demands of domestic workers across the state.
