New national policy for domestic workers
Why in News?
- According to National Sample Survey (NSSO Statistics-2011-2012, 68th round) it is estimated 39 lakh people are employed as domestic workers by private households, of which 26 lakhs are female domestic workers.
- The Ministry of Labour & Employment is considering formulating a National Policy on Domestic Workers which is in the draft stage.
Draft policy for domestic workers:
- In a bid to give recognition to domestic workers besides making them eligible for minimum wages, social security and safe working conditions, labour ministry is drafting the national policy.
- As per the National Sample Survey, there are an estimated 39 lakhs people employed as domestic workers by private households, of which 26 lakhs are female domestic workers.
- Inclusion of Domestic Workers in the existing legislations
- Domestic workers will have the right to register as unorganized workers. Such registration will facilitate their access to rights & benefits
- Right to form their own associations/unions
- Right to minimum wages, access to social security
- Right to enhance their skills
- Protection of Domestic Workers from abuse and exploitation
- Domestic Workers to have access to courts, tribunals for grievance redressal
- Establishment of a mechanism for regulation of private placement agencies
- Establishment of a grievance redressal system for domestic worker