Policy for rights of domestic help

The government draft policy formulated recently to protect the rights of domestic workers could not have come a day too soon. We welcome it, especially in light of the recent spike in violence and abuse that domestic help have been subjected to across the country. The Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy 2015 (draft) should pave the way for setting the minimum age of workers in this category, for legal actions that law enforcers can take against abusing employers in case of torture and withholding of pay. The trauma that has been suffered by many poor people who come to the cities in search of earning some money by working unholy hours in households would have recourse to law for redress.

The draft policy, moreover, will officially recognise the labour of domestic workers who have traditionally been left out of the purview of the formal labour force.

We should, however, keep in mind that a policy is only as good as its proper implementation. This policy has been formulated with good intentions, but, as our past experience shows, some well-intentioned laws have been misused to settle personal scores and that is something that needs to be kept in mind by all stakeholders. It is, therefore, essential to exercise caution and care when it comes to implementation of the policy. And we hope the ministry concerned will take into account the apprehension some homeowners may have about domestic workers as the policy passes into law. That notwithstanding, the law in itself should help promote a good relationship between the employers and employees. We emphasise, domestic workers must be treated humanely and with respect for their rights.