The Karnataka State Government has released the Draft Rules for the Three Labour Codes for public consultation. These are not the final rules; they have been published to invite objections and suggestions from stakeholders before final notification.
High-Level Summary of Draft Rules
- Code on Wages (Karnataka) Rules: Focuses on regularizing the payment of wages, determining minimum wages based on geographical areas and skill levels, and setting standards for deductions and recovery of dues.
- Industrial Relations (Karnataka) Rules: Streamlines the process for Trade Union registration, provides a framework for the voluntary reference of disputes to arbitration, and mandates the formation of Grievance Redressal Committees for establishments with 20 or more workers.
- Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Karnataka) Rules: Consolidates safety standards across various sectors (factories, construction, plantations, etc.), mandates annual health examinations for workers over 40, and introduces online registration and licensing through portals like “Karmika Spandana.”
- Code on Social Security (Karnataka) Rules: Establishes the Karnataka Unorganized Workers’ Social Security Board and the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board to oversee welfare schemes. It mandates contributions from unorganized workers, self-employed individuals, and aggregators to fund these social security initiatives. Additionally, it provides a structured framework for appeals through the Employees’ Insurance Court and outlines the collection of cess by designated officers to support worker benefits.
Stakeholders and employers may raise any objections or provide feedback to the officials listed below within the specified window period.
| Code Name | Window Period | Due Date (Approx.) | Physical Address for Submission |
| Code on Wages (Karnataka) Rules | 45 Days | Mar 09, 2026 | Secretary to Government, Labour Department, Vikasa Soudha, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru 560001 |
| Industrial Relations (Karnataka) Rules | 45 Days | Mar 09, 2026 | Secretary to Government, Labour Department, Vikasa Soudha, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru 560001 |
| Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions (Karnataka) Rules | 45 Days | Mar 09, 2026 | Secretary to Government, Labour Department, Vikasa Soudha, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru 560001 |
| Code on Social Security (Karnataka) Rules | 45 Days | Mar 15, 2026 | Secretary to Government, Labour Department, Vikasa Soudha, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Veedhi, Bengaluru 560001 |
Note: Karnataka Social Security Code Draft Rules are yet to be published.