Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules 2024: What You Need to Know?
Step-by-step guide to Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules 2024- hat employers must know & compliance checklist.
Pazcare team
Team Pazcare
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Updated on:
October 6, 2025
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Quick Summary
Dive into the intricacies of the new Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules, 2024! Discover how these regulations transform gratuity management for employers and ensure secure futures for employees.
This comprehensive guide, covering everything from initial comprehension to compliant system implementation, equips you with the knowledge to get guaranteed payouts, simplified processes, and potential cost reductions.
Feeling overwhelmed? Let Pazcare, your reliable employee benefits partner, navigate the complexities for you!
Dive into the intricacies of the new Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules, 2024! Discover how these regulations transform gratuity management for employers and ensure secure futures for employees.
This comprehensive guide, covering everything from initial comprehension to compliant system implementation, equips you with the knowledge to get guaranteed payouts, simplified processes, and potential cost reductions.
Feeling overwhelmed? Let Pazcare, your reliable employee benefits partner, navigate the complexities for you!
Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules, 2024: What Employers Need to Know
If you're an HR professional, finance lead, or business owner trying to navigate this transition, this guide is for you. We break down what’s changed, what’s required, and how you can smoothly implement these rules.
The Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules, 2024, effective as of January 10th, 2024, mandate new processes and responsibilities for employers.
Navigating this can seem daunting. But fear not! This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know, step-by-step.
Whether you're an employer unsure of the requirements or simply want to understand the changes, this guide provides clear explanations and actionable steps. We'll cover everything from choosing the right policy to setting up the system and ensuring compliance.
By the end, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to implement a gratuity system that benefits your business and secures your employees' futures
The Government of Karnataka, empowered by subsection 4 of Section 4A, has issued regulations for its implementation through Notification No. LD 397 LET 2023 dated January 10th, 2024.
What’s new under the Karnataka gratuity act?
Previously, companies had the option to self-manage their gratuity liabilities. Now, it's mandatory to obtain a gratuity insurance policy from a licensed insurer to cover employee payouts. This brings increased security and clarity for employees and ensures timely payments.
What do employers need to do next?
Here’s a simple checklist to ensure you're compliant with the 2024 rules:
Obtain a gratuity insurance policy
Under this rule, all establishments registered in Karnataka must acquire a policy covering their gratuity liabilities. Existing companies have a 60-day window until March 10, 2024, for compliance, while new businesses are given 30 days from their eligibility onset.
Register with the Controlling Authority
Get your organization registered with the Controlling Authority within 30 days of getting the policy. If there's any gratuity to be paid, the Controlling Authority has the power to collect it straight from the insurance company.
Establish a gratuity trust
Set up a dedicated trust solely for managing gratuity funds, adhering to all tax regulations and ensuring their exclusive use for employee payouts.
A gratuity trust must be created to manage and monitor gratuity fund usage.
The trust ensures compliance with Rule 7 of the notification and applicable tax laws.
Funds must only be used for employee gratuity payouts, not for other business needs.
The Gratuity Trust must ensure compliance with the conditions outlined in Rule 7 regarding the establishment of the Gratuity Trust.
The revised Karnataka Gratuity Insurance Rules offer significant advantages for employees, providing greater security and clarity regarding their hard-earned retirement benefits. Let's explore these benefits in detail.
Guaranteed payout, even in difficult times
Financial Security: No longer will employee gratuity payments be dependent on the company's financial health. Insurance acts as a safety net, ensuring they receive their due even if the company faces difficulties.
Reduced Anxiety: This guarantee eliminates a significant source of worry for employees, especially those nearing retirement, allowing them to plan their future with greater peace of mind.
Timely payments & transparency
Streamlined Process: Insurance companies handle claim processing and disbursement efficiently, ensuring employees receive their gratuity promptly within stipulated timeframes.
Clear Rules & Regulations: Defined guidelines and calculations for gratuity leave no room for ambiguity, offering employees transparency and predictability.
Potential for higher returns
Professional Investment Management: While not guaranteed, insurance companies often employ experienced investment teams aiming to maximize returns on the gratuity fund.
Higher Yields: Compared to traditional self-managed funds, efficient investment strategies could potentially lead to higher returns, ultimately benefiting employees with larger payouts.
Peace of Mind & Improved Morale
Knowing that a critical component of their retirement plan is secured builds employee confidence and job satisfaction. It reinforces the company’s commitment to long-term employee welfare, boosting loyalty and retention.
No Hassles in Claiming
Employees don’t have to chase employers or deal with back-and-forths in case of delayed payments. Insurance-backed gratuity ensures an objective, third-party governed system that protects employee rights.
What’s in it for employers?
1. Reduced administrative burden for instance insurance companies handle calculations, payments, and record-keeping, simplifying employer tasks.
2. Enhanced employee security ensures guaranteed payouts through insurance provide peace of mind for employees.
3. Cost predictability like fixed insurance premiums offer budget certainty compared to potentially fluctuating self-managed costs.
4. Potential cost savings can give efficient investment returns within the insurance framework could lead to lower long-term costs.
How to set up gratuity?
Ensure compliance with the Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules, 2024. Conduct an actuarial valuation to determine your gratuity liability and funding needs.
Choose between a self-managed gratuity fund or an insurance company. Assess your risk appetite for investment strategies (debt, equity).
If opting for insurance, select a reputable provider and negotiate premiums. If self-managing, establish fund governance, investment policies, and administrative processes.
Step-by-step process for setting up gratuity in India
Actuarial Valuation
This step figures out how much money the company needs to have saved up right now to cover all the retirement benefits it owes employees in the future
Liability Estimate
This step is like making a shopping list for all the retirement benefits the company owes. It figures out how much each employee is owed based on their age, salary, and years of service
Decision-making/ Self/ Insurance company managed
Now that we know how much money is needed, it's time to decide who's going to manage it. The company can either handle it themselves or pay an insurance company to do it.
Risk Appetite Debt & Equity
How much risk the company is willing to take with the money? Choosing debt is like taking out a loan to fund retirement benefits - it's cheaper upfront but comes with fixed payments that could be hard to manage if the company faces financial troubles. Choosing equity is like investing money in the stock market - it could potentially grow more but also lose value, making it less predictable.
Funding with an Insurance company
If the company chooses the insurance company route, this step is where they pay the insurer premiums to cover the retirement benefits. It's like paying for insurance that guarantees your employees will receive their retirement money, no matter what happens to the company's finances.
Why is it hard to manage the gratuity fund in-house?
Board formation
Forming the board including the right set of representation from management, employees, and trustees. Board members should possess relevant financial, legal, or investment expertise.
Resolution passages
Passing the resolution on the board and getting a buy-in from everyone is no easy feat.
Recordkeeping and Reporting
Establish a system for maintaining accurate records and generating periodic reports on the fund's performance and financial health.
Legal & Tax Compliances
Ensuring the fund's structure and operations comply with the laws and regulations.
Simplifying administration and offering guaranteed payouts, the insurance-managed solution might be the ideal choice for your business. However, navigating various insurers, comparing options, and understanding complex terms can be overwhelming.
Recent judicial update: Karnataka high court interim order
On 28 April 2025, the Karnataka High Court passed an interim order restricting the Government of Karnataka from taking any coercive actions against employers who fail to pay the gratuity insurance premium as stipulated under the Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules 2024.
This order provides temporary relief for employers while the court considers the matter, but it does not absolve companies from compliance obligations. Employers are still encouraged to continue their preparations, maintain accurate records, and stay aligned with regulatory requirements to avoid complications once the matter is resolved.
How can Pazcare help you with your gratuity insurance?
This is where Pazcare, your trusted employee benefits partner, steps in. With expertise in insurance in India, Pazcare can guide you through every step:
Get tailored options aligned with your budget and risk tolerance.
We will negotiate on your behalf to secure the best terms and ensure the chosen policy comprehensively covers your gratuity liability and employee eligibility.
We’ll help you handle the paperwork, data collection, and communication with the insurer, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup process.
Pazcare will remain your partner throughout the journey, providing ongoing support, addressing any concerns, and ensuring compliance with the latest regulations.
By leveraging Pazcare's expertise, you can
Save valuable time and resources: Focus on your core business while Pazcare handles the complexities of gratuity insurance.
Gain access to exclusive deals and competitive rates: Benefit from Pazcare's strong relationships with leading insurers.
Enjoy peace of mind: Knowing your employees are guaranteed their gratuity payments, even in unforeseen circumstances.
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Gratuity is a lump sum amount paid by an employer to an employee as a thank-you for their long-term service. In India, an employee becomes eligible for gratuity after completing 5 years of continuous service with the company.
What is gratuity in insurance?
Gratuity insurance is a policy purchased by an employer to cover their financial liability towards employee gratuity payments.
Is gratuity insurance mandatory?
Yes, under the Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules 2024, all eligible employers in Karnataka must obtain a gratuity insurance policy from a licensed insurer to cover employee gratuity liabilities.
What is a gratuity premium?
A gratuity premium is the amount an employer pays to the insurance company to cover the gratuity liability of employees. It is calculated based on factors like the number of employees, their salaries, years of service, and actuarial valuation.
Who is eligible for gratuity?
Employees with 5+ years of service in establishments covered under the Payment of Gratuity Act are eligible.
Dive into the intricacies of the new Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules, 2024! Discover how these regulations transform gratuity management for employers and ensure secure futures for employees.
This comprehensive guide, covering everything from initial comprehension to compliant system implementation, equips you with the knowledge to get guaranteed payouts, simplified processes, and potential cost reductions.
Feeling overwhelmed? Let Pazcare, your reliable employee benefits partner, navigate the complexities for you!
Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules, 2024: What Employers Need to Know
If you're an HR professional, finance lead, or business owner trying to navigate this transition, this guide is for you. We break down what’s changed, what’s required, and how you can smoothly implement these rules.
The Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules, 2024, effective as of January 10th, 2024, mandate new processes and responsibilities for employers.
Navigating this can seem daunting. But fear not! This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know, step-by-step.
Whether you're an employer unsure of the requirements or simply want to understand the changes, this guide provides clear explanations and actionable steps. We'll cover everything from choosing the right policy to setting up the system and ensuring compliance.
By the end, you'll have the knowledge and confidence to implement a gratuity system that benefits your business and secures your employees' futures
The Government of Karnataka, empowered by subsection 4 of Section 4A, has issued regulations for its implementation through Notification No. LD 397 LET 2023 dated January 10th, 2024.
What’s new under the Karnataka gratuity act?
Previously, companies had the option to self-manage their gratuity liabilities. Now, it's mandatory to obtain a gratuity insurance policy from a licensed insurer to cover employee payouts. This brings increased security and clarity for employees and ensures timely payments.
What do employers need to do next?
Here’s a simple checklist to ensure you're compliant with the 2024 rules:
Obtain a gratuity insurance policy
Under this rule, all establishments registered in Karnataka must acquire a policy covering their gratuity liabilities. Existing companies have a 60-day window until March 10, 2024, for compliance, while new businesses are given 30 days from their eligibility onset.
Register with the Controlling Authority
Get your organization registered with the Controlling Authority within 30 days of getting the policy. If there's any gratuity to be paid, the Controlling Authority has the power to collect it straight from the insurance company.
Establish a gratuity trust
Set up a dedicated trust solely for managing gratuity funds, adhering to all tax regulations and ensuring their exclusive use for employee payouts.
A gratuity trust must be created to manage and monitor gratuity fund usage.
The trust ensures compliance with Rule 7 of the notification and applicable tax laws.
Funds must only be used for employee gratuity payouts, not for other business needs.
The Gratuity Trust must ensure compliance with the conditions outlined in Rule 7 regarding the establishment of the Gratuity Trust.
The revised Karnataka Gratuity Insurance Rules offer significant advantages for employees, providing greater security and clarity regarding their hard-earned retirement benefits. Let's explore these benefits in detail.
Guaranteed payout, even in difficult times
Financial Security: No longer will employee gratuity payments be dependent on the company's financial health. Insurance acts as a safety net, ensuring they receive their due even if the company faces difficulties.
Reduced Anxiety: This guarantee eliminates a significant source of worry for employees, especially those nearing retirement, allowing them to plan their future with greater peace of mind.
Timely payments & transparency
Streamlined Process: Insurance companies handle claim processing and disbursement efficiently, ensuring employees receive their gratuity promptly within stipulated timeframes.
Clear Rules & Regulations: Defined guidelines and calculations for gratuity leave no room for ambiguity, offering employees transparency and predictability.
Potential for higher returns
Professional Investment Management: While not guaranteed, insurance companies often employ experienced investment teams aiming to maximize returns on the gratuity fund.
Higher Yields: Compared to traditional self-managed funds, efficient investment strategies could potentially lead to higher returns, ultimately benefiting employees with larger payouts.
Peace of Mind & Improved Morale
Knowing that a critical component of their retirement plan is secured builds employee confidence and job satisfaction. It reinforces the company’s commitment to long-term employee welfare, boosting loyalty and retention.
No Hassles in Claiming
Employees don’t have to chase employers or deal with back-and-forths in case of delayed payments. Insurance-backed gratuity ensures an objective, third-party governed system that protects employee rights.
What’s in it for employers?
1. Reduced administrative burden for instance insurance companies handle calculations, payments, and record-keeping, simplifying employer tasks.
2. Enhanced employee security ensures guaranteed payouts through insurance provide peace of mind for employees.
3. Cost predictability like fixed insurance premiums offer budget certainty compared to potentially fluctuating self-managed costs.
4. Potential cost savings can give efficient investment returns within the insurance framework could lead to lower long-term costs.
How to set up gratuity?
Ensure compliance with the Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules, 2024. Conduct an actuarial valuation to determine your gratuity liability and funding needs.
Choose between a self-managed gratuity fund or an insurance company. Assess your risk appetite for investment strategies (debt, equity).
If opting for insurance, select a reputable provider and negotiate premiums. If self-managing, establish fund governance, investment policies, and administrative processes.
Step-by-step process for setting up gratuity in India
Actuarial Valuation
This step figures out how much money the company needs to have saved up right now to cover all the retirement benefits it owes employees in the future
Liability Estimate
This step is like making a shopping list for all the retirement benefits the company owes. It figures out how much each employee is owed based on their age, salary, and years of service
Decision-making/ Self/ Insurance company managed
Now that we know how much money is needed, it's time to decide who's going to manage it. The company can either handle it themselves or pay an insurance company to do it.
Risk Appetite Debt & Equity
How much risk the company is willing to take with the money? Choosing debt is like taking out a loan to fund retirement benefits - it's cheaper upfront but comes with fixed payments that could be hard to manage if the company faces financial troubles. Choosing equity is like investing money in the stock market - it could potentially grow more but also lose value, making it less predictable.
Funding with an Insurance company
If the company chooses the insurance company route, this step is where they pay the insurer premiums to cover the retirement benefits. It's like paying for insurance that guarantees your employees will receive their retirement money, no matter what happens to the company's finances.
Why is it hard to manage the gratuity fund in-house?
Board formation
Forming the board including the right set of representation from management, employees, and trustees. Board members should possess relevant financial, legal, or investment expertise.
Resolution passages
Passing the resolution on the board and getting a buy-in from everyone is no easy feat.
Recordkeeping and Reporting
Establish a system for maintaining accurate records and generating periodic reports on the fund's performance and financial health.
Legal & Tax Compliances
Ensuring the fund's structure and operations comply with the laws and regulations.
Simplifying administration and offering guaranteed payouts, the insurance-managed solution might be the ideal choice for your business. However, navigating various insurers, comparing options, and understanding complex terms can be overwhelming.
Recent judicial update: Karnataka high court interim order
On 28 April 2025, the Karnataka High Court passed an interim order restricting the Government of Karnataka from taking any coercive actions against employers who fail to pay the gratuity insurance premium as stipulated under the Karnataka Compulsory Gratuity Insurance Rules 2024.
This order provides temporary relief for employers while the court considers the matter, but it does not absolve companies from compliance obligations. Employers are still encouraged to continue their preparations, maintain accurate records, and stay aligned with regulatory requirements to avoid complications once the matter is resolved.
How can Pazcare help you with your gratuity insurance?
This is where Pazcare, your trusted employee benefits partner, steps in. With expertise in insurance in India, Pazcare can guide you through every step:
Get tailored options aligned with your budget and risk tolerance.
We will negotiate on your behalf to secure the best terms and ensure the chosen policy comprehensively covers your gratuity liability and employee eligibility.
We’ll help you handle the paperwork, data collection, and communication with the insurer, ensuring a smooth and efficient setup process.
Pazcare will remain your partner throughout the journey, providing ongoing support, addressing any concerns, and ensuring compliance with the latest regulations.
By leveraging Pazcare's expertise, you can
Save valuable time and resources: Focus on your core business while Pazcare handles the complexities of gratuity insurance.
Gain access to exclusive deals and competitive rates: Benefit from Pazcare's strong relationships with leading insurers.
Enjoy peace of mind: Knowing your employees are guaranteed their gratuity payments, even in unforeseen circumstances.
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