Regulating Domestic Work: The Urgent Need for a National Law and Social Security
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Social Development (Vulnerable sections, Social Security); Indian Polity (Fundamental Rights - Article 21, State-level legislations); International Bodies (International Labour Organization - ILO Convention 189); Government Schemes (e-SHRAM).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Role of women and women's organization; Social empowerment; Poverty and developmental issues; Migration.
General Studies Paper 2 (Social Justice & Governance): Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections (Children, Women, SCs/STs); Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services.
Key Highlights from the News
The Supreme Court directed the Central Government to introduce a comprehensive law to protect the rights of domestic workers in the country.
It is estimated that there are between 40 lakh and 9 crore domestic workers in India. The majority are women and belong to SC/ST categories, making them more vulnerable to exploitation.
The lack of a specific law makes them susceptible to harassment, abuse, segregationist practices, and lack of wages. Child labour is also widespread in this sector.
India voted for the International Labour Organization (ILO)'s Convention C-189 regarding the rights of domestic workers but is yet to ratify it.
In the absence of a national law, states like Tamil Nadu (Welfare Board) and Karnataka (New Bill) have taken their own measures on this issue.
The article suggests that minimum wages, compulsory registration, and local complaints committees against sexual harassment are essential to prevent exploitation in this sector.
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