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The Hindu
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
International Domestic Workers' Day observed
The SEWA-Union observed International Domestic Workers' Day here on Monday with a rally demanding that comprehensive legislation for domestic workers. The rally began from the Secretariat and ended at Martyrs' Column, Palayam. A public meeting that followed was inaugurated by SEWA-Union secretary Sonia George. It was pointed out at the meeting that labour laws at the Centre or in States did not formally recognise domestic workers as workers. Domestic workers were the most unorganised segment in the labour sector and the most exploited. Without any recognition as workers, they did not get any labour law protection. They were almost outside the ambit of the labour codes. The main reason for this was that private homes were not recognised as workplaces. It was also a fact that those responsible for framing laws were employers, a statement from SEWA-Union pointed out. It was pointed out that that the National Platform of Domestic Workers had been engaged in initiatives that underlined that domestic work was one of dignity. However, the government had made little efforts in this regard. The State government had published the draft of the legislation for the welfare of domestic workers in 2024, but there had been no action on it. No funds were earmarked for the welfare of domestic workers either. In the wake of a 2024 Supreme Court order to frame legislation urgently for domestic workers, the workers announced that they would stage strong protests to press their cause.
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
A comprehensive legislation for 3 crore domestic workers in India demanded by NPDW
On the occasion of International Domestic Workers Day observed on Monday (June 16) the National Platform of Domestic Workers (NPDW) has demanded that the Central government enact a comprehensive legislation for domestic workers. An estimated number of about 30 million people are engaged in domestic work in the country, who form a critical part of the workforce in the informal sector. Around 80% of these workers are women drawn from the most vulnerable social and economic groups, as per a press release issued on Saturday (June 14). Varghese Theckanath, member of NPDW national core team and Sister Lissy Joseph, Telangana convenor and others said that India has not adopted a legislation to protect the rights or welfare of domestic workers. Citing a Supreme Court judgement dated January 29, 2025 which directed the Ministry of Labour and Employment in tandem with three other Ministries to jointly constitute a committee comprising subject experts to consider the desirability of recommending a legal framework for the benefit, protection, and regulation of the rights of domestic workers. 'It will be appreciated if the Committee submits a report within a period of six months, whereupon the Government of India may consider the necessity of introducing a legal framework which may effectively address the cause and concern of domestic workers,' as per the judgement. NPDW members said that despite the directive, no substantial steps were taken by the Central Government to initiate the legislative process. Protest in Hyderabad Domestic workers from four districts convened at the Dharna Chowk in Hyderabad on Monday (June 16) to voice their concerns and press for a mechanism to resolve them. Sister Lissy said that women raised issues like salaries withheld or withdrawn by contractors, unfair wages, atrocities faced, a lack of labour rights and social protection like health insurance. 'If the Telangana government forms a welfare board, the domestic workers can lodge their grievances,' said Sister Lissy. There are over 11 lakh domestic workers in the State.
