DC Dimapur urges to respect domestic workers

DIMAPUR — Expounding that many parents are able to go to office and perform their jobs by relying on the domestic workers to carry out daily chores back at home, the deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal, implored the public to acknowledge the services rendered by them.

He was speaking at the International Domestic Workers’ Day programme, organised by Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) and National Domestic Workers’ Movement (NDWM) Nagaland Region held at Assisi auditorium in Dimapur on Friday. Mentioning that the employers need the help of domestic workers in order to do their jobs, the DC urged upon the employers them.

“We are not their (domestic workers) owners but they are just doing their job,” he said.

He asserted that they should be paid on time and respects their jobs like any others as they deserve the same dignity and respect. He added that employers should not engage children below 18 years of age as domestic help saying it is against the law.

He reminded that domestic workers should be paid minimum wages for utilisation of their services and to motivate them.

Jaiswal also told the domestic workers not to remain silent but bring the issue to the notice of administration, Labour department or police in the event of any problem, abuse or sexual assault. He further appealed to the domestic workers not to take advantage of their jobs and create problems saying both the employers and the employees should understand each other.

The director of ACID, Pramila Lobo, mentioned that the International Domestic Workers’ Day provides everyone an opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by domestic workers and to advocate for their rights and well being.

“It is crucial that we strive to create an environment where their rights are protected, their contributions are valued and they are provided with fair wages, decent working conditions and access to social protection,” she stated.

She has also appreciated the domestic workers for the sacrifices made in taking care of others and making the homes of others more comfortable.

Advocate Priya Shyam also shared about the dignity and decent work for domestic workers and reminds everyone to value their work as they improve the life of other working families by looking after their houses.