The Karnataka government has formally created the Karnataka Platform-Based Gig Workers’ Welfare Development Board. This marks a major move to recognise gig and platform workers, giving them legal protections and social security. Shaik Salauddin, national general secretary of the Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers (IFAT), said, "Karnataka had 'shown the way' by institutionalising a welfare board for gig workers." He praised the move for respecting gig workers' dignity, rights, and protection. He hopes other states and the Union government will copy this model and create laws for fair wages, social security, and grievance redressal. Salauddin also stressed the importance of transparency and real worker representation in the board. The board requires both platforms and gig workers to register. Tanveer Pasha, president of the Ola Uber Drivers’ and Owners’ Association, said the board’s formation shows the Labour Ministry’s seriousness after long talks since 2019. He said, "Earlier, companies were not willing to share data or agree to a welfare levy. Through repeated meetings, the Minister convinced them." Now, both companies and worker groups are part of the board. Some members of the 16-member committee, speaking anonymously, raised concerns that the proposed welfare fee of 1% to 1.5% may not be enough. They worry it may not cover health insurance, pensions, accident coverage, and administrative costs, especially as gig workers grow in number. While they welcome the board's creation, they stress that its success depends on whether the levy raises enough funds for real benefits. Attempts to get comments from Uber and Swiggy, platform representatives on the committee, were unsuccessful.