Nagaland domestic workers demand minimum wage, social security

DIMAPUR— The All Nagaland Domestic Workers’ Union (ANDWU) has reiterated its demand from the state government to include them in the scheduled employment list of the Minimum Wages Act.

The union also demanded decent working conditions, protection against all forms of abuse and availing of existing social security.

Addressing a meeting of the ANDWU office bearers at Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) hall, on Tuesday, Director of ACID, Sister Pramila, informed that they have been fighting for the rights of domestic workers since 2018 but nothing has been done by the state government till date.

She appealed to the domestic workers to register themselves with the Domestic Workers’ Association for recognition as well as to avail training on capacity building and skills. She added that the association also helps children of domestic workers in education sector, as well as provide medical support.

Sharing on the difference between a homemaker and domestic workers, Advocate Priya Shyam said a homemaker is someone who works in their own house without asking for money, whereas, domestic workers are poor those who help and works at someone’s house for money.

Stating that domestic workers should enjoy their own right and dignity, she appealed to the state government to give them the opportunity to live a dignified life.

Sharing their grievances and experiences, the office bearers of ANDWU said the prices of goods and school fees of children have increased over the years while their wages are still ‘very low’.

They also expressed apprehension about their future as they are ‘not able to save any money’.

A domestic worker lamented that there are various government schemes for labourers but they cannot avail such schemes as they are not recognised. She added that they are paid very less unlike men even if they work whole day.

She further disclosed that some female domestic workers are paid only INR 3000 per month, which is too meager to sustain a family.

Another worker said that they spend more than they earn and are caught in the web of debt as they have to send their children to schools as well as look after their families.