BENGALURU
The Karnataka Cabinet has approved a key proposal to bring the Karnataka Motor Transport and Other Allied Workers Social Security and Welfare Board under the jurisdiction of the Transport Department. The board was earlier functioning under the Labour Department for the welfare of transport sector workers.
The decision was taken during the State Cabinet meeting held on Thursday. The Cabinet also approved amendments under the ‘Karnataka Motor Transport and Other Allied Workers Social Security and Welfare (Amendment) Bill, 2026’ to enable the Transport Department to directly utilise welfare funds collected from non-transport vehicles.
At present, the Transport Department collects cess from non-transport vehicles, including private two-wheelers and cars, and transfers the amount to the welfare board functioning under the Labour Department. The board has been implementing welfare programmes for transport workers using these funds.
Following the amendment, the welfare board will now come directly under the Transport Department, which will also independently formulate and implement welfare schemes for transport workers.
Addressing reporters after the Cabinet meeting, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H. K. Patil said the amendment would streamline the administration of welfare measures and improve implementation efficiency. He stated that since the funds are collected by the Transport Department, the same department would now directly manage programmes benefiting transport workers.
Under the existing provisions, a cess of Rs 500 is collected from two-wheelers and Rs 1,000 from cars and other non-transport vehicles. In addition, an extra cess of three per cent is levied on certain vehicle categories.
Officials said the government collected nearly Rs 92.25 crore through the additional cess and vehicle-related welfare charges between April and December 2025. The government believes the restructuring will help utilise these funds more effectively for the welfare and social security of transport workers across the state.
