Legislator calls for dignified work for domestic workers

Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 16 (EMN): Advisor to Chief Minister of Nagaland labour employment & skill development, Dr TM Lotha Friday called for collective efforts toward promoting ‘decent work’ for domestic workers which can ultimately enhance the efficiency and economy of their respective families.
Stating that the domestic workers belong to a vulnerable group of workers who are mostly from poor families, Lotha strongly voiced the need for protection of their rights, privileges and safety without any discrimination.
Addressing a host of educationists and students during the regional conference of the north east domestic workers week today at Christ King Church Jubilee hall Kohima, Lotha underscored the importance of creating awareness about the rights, equality, dignity and safety of the domestic workers and also to create awareness among the people about the relationship of the employers and employees so as to promote decent works for domestic workers.
The regional conference was organised as part of the domestic workers’ week from June 10 – 16 under the theme “Domestic work is work. Domestic workers are like other workers entitled to decent work.”
“Domestic workers should be seen not just as helpers who are part of the family, but as employed workers entitled to their rights and privileges, while their dignity should be protected,” Lotha said while stating his desire for a cordial atmosphere at the work place and also a healthy relationship between the employer and employee.
Though stating that many acts and resolutions have been passed in the ILO and UN bodies, Lotha however, regretted that domestic workers in India continue to struggle for visibility and recognition.
“While several legislations such as the unorganised social security act 2008, sexual harassment against women at work place act 2013 and minimum wages schedule notified in various states refer to domestic workers, there remains an absence of comprehensive uniformly applicable national legislation that guarantees fair terms of employment and decent working conditions,” he said and supported the domestic workers to be guaranteed the same terms of enjoyment as enjoyed by others.
Lotha observed that majority of the Nagas are unaware of these acts because there are no organised domestic welfare forums.
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Rajesh Soundarajan underlined the need to come up certain mechanisms to solve the issue of domestic workers.
Stating that the role of community is very important, he also emphasized the need to sensitize and spread awareness amongst the people.
Labour commissioner L Nungshiyanger educated the gathering with regard to the rights and privileges of domestic workers and the duties and disciplines ought to be abided by them at the work place.
Basing on the vulnerable nature of domestic workers, he informed that the Ministry of Labour & Employment had constituted a task force to evolve a policy framework on domestic workers, following which the task force also submitted its report which inter-alia contains a draft national policy for domestic workers.
MLA Dr Neikiesalie (Nicky) KIre, Principal of St Joseph’s College Jakhama, Rev Fr Dr Sebastian Ousepparampill, principal of Japfü Christian College, Kigwema, Dr Visakhono Hibo, Principal of Don Bosco College, Kohima, Rev Fr Suresh SDB and a representative from Nagaland State Social Welfare Board (NSSWB), Kohima also addressed the gathering.
The programme was organised by Ferrado Domestic Workers’ Alliance (FDWA) and National Domestic Workers’ Movement (NDWM) in collaboration with office of the labour commissioner, NSSWB, Development Association of Nagaland, St. Joseph’s College Jakhama, Japfü Christian College, Kigwema and Don Bosco College, Kohima.
On the day, a memorandum on behalf of the domestic workers of Nagaland was submitted to Dr TM Lotha for inclusion of domestic workers in the welfare schemes and fixation of wages under Minimum Wages Act in Nagaland.
The memo also demanded for a well functioning welfare board, skill training for domestic workers and to ensure protection of unorganised workers in Nagaland.