‘We need dignity and protection’: Domestic workers seek law, welfare board for Telangana’s 11 lakh-strong workforce
A dedicated law for domestic workers, the creation of a welfare board, social security coverage, minimum wages and protection from violence and exploitation were among
A dedicated law for domestic workers, the creation of a welfare board, social security coverage, minimum wages and protection from violence and exploitation were among the key demands raised by nearly 200 domestic workers as they marked International Domestic Workers’ Day in Hyderabad on Tuesday. The workers, represented by the Gruhakarmikula Union Telangana State (GUTS) and the Platform of Domestic Workers (NPDW), submitted a memorandum to Telangana Labour and Employment Minister G. Vivek Venkat Swamy, urging the State government to enact comprehensive legislation for the sector. Slogans, placards and banners filled the hall. The memorandum highlighted the plight of more than 11 lakh domestic workers in Telangana, many of whom remain outside the ambit of labour protections despite playing a vital role in households and the urban economy. It sought statutory recognition of domestic workers as workers, mandatory registration of workers and employers, a dedicated welfare board and fund, inclusion under Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) and Provident Fund (PF) schemes, enforcement of minimum wages, regulated working hours, protection from harassment and access to affordable housing.
“Before joining the union, I saw myself as just a domestic worker. I was not treated with respect, worked long hours and faced many challenges and believed that was how life was. After joining the union, I became aware of my rights and realised that domestic workers deserve the same respect and protection as any other worker,” said Arundathi, a domestic worker from NTR Nagar. GUTS and NPDW president Varghese Theckanat said domestic work remains one of the largest employment sectors but continues to lack adequate legal safeguards. “This is such a large sector employing a significant number of women and children, yet it has no protection. Domestic workers have been neglected because they work inside homes unlike other workers who are visible in public spaces,” he said. Mr Theckanat noted that the Supreme Court had recently placed responsibility on State governments to ensure the safety and welfare of domestic workers.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister said a committee would be constituted to study the issues raised and recommend measures to address them. He also said government would look into the revision of minimum wages and noted that several categories of workers in the unorganised sector face similar challenges. “There are many people working across different unorganised sectors. We will bring all together and work towards a comprehensive law that covers them. I will take up this issue and ensure that the concerns raised today are examined seriously,” he said. The memorandum called for the establishment of a Domestic Workers Welfare Board to administer benefits such as maternity assistance, old-age pensions and death benefits. It also proposed earmarking 1% of municipal tax revenues for domestic workers’ welfare. The organisations further demanded annual health check-ups, compensation for workplace injuries, weekly paid days off, strict enforcement of minimum wages and stronger mechanisms to address wage theft, verbal abuse and sexual harassment.
The BriefWire