In a bid to give recognition to domestic workers besides making them eligible for minimum wages, social security and safe working conditions, labour ministry is drafting the national policy on domestic workers which will benefit nearly 40 lakh domestic workers.
“The ministry of labour & employment is considering formulate a National Policy on Domestic Workers which is in the draft stage,” labour minister Santosh Gangwar said in Parliament on Monday. The policy could benefit the government if it comes before the general elections.
As per the National Sample Survey, there are an estimated 39 lakhs people employed as domestic workers by private households, of which 26 lakhs are female domestic workers.
According to Gangwar, some of the salient features of the proposed draft are the inclusion of domestic workers in the existing legislation, giving them the right to register as unorganized workers, as a result, it will facilitate their access to rights and benefits.
Source: Economic Times