GUWAHATI: Domestic workers and labour rights advocates on Wednesday, June 17, urged the Assam government to enact comprehensive legislation for domestic workers, seeking legal recognition, fair wages, social security benefits and protection from exploitation.
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The demands were raised during a press conference organised by the National Domestic Workers' Movement (NDWM), Assam Region, at the Guwahati Press Club on the occasion of International Domestic Workers' Day.
The organisation has been working with nearly 3,000 domestic workers in Guwahati since 2019, advocating for their rights, recognition and dignity. The movement represents workers engaged in household chores such as cooking, cleaning, washing, childcare and elderly care.
Addressing the media, Assam State Coordinator Anjana Kachhap appealed to the state government to introduce comprehensive legislation for domestic workers in Assam. She said such a law would help ensure decent working conditions, fair wages, social security coverage and legal protection for workers employed in households.
The organisation outlined four key areas where intervention is needed.
Under the demand for decent work, NDWM called for recognition of domestic workers' identity and dignity, reasonable working hours, weekly holidays, paid leave, safe workplaces and protection from physical, verbal and sexual abuse.
On fair wages, the group sought the establishment of minimum wage standards, timely payment of salaries and compensation for overtime work.
The organisation also demanded stronger social security measures, including the creation of a welfare board for domestic workers, health insurance coverage, maternity benefits, pension schemes, old-age security and accident and disability compensation.
In terms of legal rights, NDWM called for official recognition of domestic workers through identity cards, access to legal aid and support services, protection against unfair dismissal and stronger safeguards against harassment and exploitation.
Several domestic workers from different parts of Guwahati also spoke at the event, highlighting the challenges faced by workers in the sector and the need for greater government support and legal protection.