Bengaluru Welfare Board Under Scrutiny for Slow Compensation Disbursements
The Karnataka government's Motor Transport and Allied Workers Welfare Board, launched in late 2024 to offer social security to drivers, cleaners, and related workers, is now embroiled in controversy due to significant delays in compensation payouts. Despite collecting approximately Rs 140 crore, the board has only disbursed funds to 45% of eligible families, leaving many in financial distress.
Compensation Data Reveals Widespread Delays
Official data indicates that 55% of families entitled to compensation—following deaths from accidents, heart attacks, or natural causes—are still awaiting payments. In the 2025–26 fiscal year, the board recorded 389 deaths, including 380 commercial vehicle drivers, two cleaners, and seven mechanics. Of these, 302 were due to accidents, 10 from heart attacks, and 77 from natural causes.
Compensation has been provided to 175 families of accident victims, each receiving Rs 5 lakh, totaling Rs 8.7 crore. However, only two out of the 87 cases involving heart attacks and natural causes have received payouts, highlighting a stark disparity in processing times.
Procedural Hurdles and Official Responses
Officials attribute the delays to procedural obstacles with the finance department, which has requested an "action plan" for expenditure approvals. This requirement has caused frustration, as one official questioned, "How can you provide an action plan for accident victims' compensation?" Transport workers unions have criticized the board, arguing that its purpose is being undermined.
Labour Minister Santosh Lad assured that there is no shortage of funds and disbursements are ongoing, though he acknowledged "some technical delays." S Ravikumar, Joint Commissioner of the Labour Department, noted that Rs 15 crore has been allocated to address pending claims, with verification procedures underway. He explained, "Identifying next of kin and ensuring the money goes to them is a slightly long-drawn process."
Additional Welfare Initiatives and Future Plans
Beyond compensation, the department has provided educational assistance of Rs 10,000 per year to 294 children of affected workers. It has also proposed an additional Rs 50 crore allocation to the finance department for other welfare schemes, including medical reimbursements and hospitalization claims, aiming to enhance support for the transport sector.
