The additional levy may seem small — ₹1 to ₹5 per transaction — but could add up quickly, changing the way people spend online.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi during his interaction with gig workers in Bengaluru before Karnataka polls. (X/INCIndia)
Karnataka is likely to introduce a new welfare fee or additional tax charges on every digital transaction to fund welfare of gig workers. The Karnataka government is exploring possible revenue streams to fund the scheme. In the first draft of the Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2024 Bill, the government rolled out a revenue model for the welfare board.