Shillong, June 17: Along with the rest of the world International Domestic Workers’ Day was also observed in the city on Monday.
Organised by the North Eastern Regional Domestic Workers’ Movement-Meghalaya Region (NERDWM) at Savio Hall in Laitumkhrah the event was attended by domestic workers from across the city.
International Domestic Workers’ Day is being celebrated every year with an aimed to make people understand on the rights of the Domestic workers.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Labour Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh informed that the state government is likely to include domestic workers under the ambit of the Minimum Wage Act, thereby giving them access to all the benefits under the act.
“We are still preparing the cabinet memo and very soon, the domestic workers will also be included in the Minimum Wage Act,” Lyngdoh said.
Informing that the act will be applicable for all the domestic workers of the state, Lyngdoh said the government will hike the daily wages of the workers with effect from March 31 where unskilled workers will get Rs 165 per day, Rs 170 for average worker, Rs 185 for workers with certificate from recognized institutions and Rs 200 for workers possessing skill development certificate.
“The workers will also have to get one-day rest as per the law and there is a move to enroll the domestic workers under the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme of India (ESIS) enabling them to get medical benefits once they are included in the Act,” the Labour Minister said.
On the demand of setting up a separate Welfare Board for the Domestic Workers, Lyngdoh said “We already have welfare measures in this state and domestic workers will be enrolled in the welfare centres once they are recognized.”
Lyngdoh also said that the government is looking forward to examine the recommendations of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention C189 concerning decent work for domestic workers adopted at Geneva on June 16, 2011 during the 100th ILC session.
Besides, Lyngdoh also encouraged the domestic workers to approach the government for help and support, Lyngdoh however, said “As much as you demand from the government to address your grievances, you should also be able to deliver your services in a better way.”
Maintaining that there are many workers who are migrants from neighbouring states and country like Bangladesh, the Labour Minister cautioned the migrant workers to acquire their legal documents to prove their identity.
Later, Lyngdoh also launched the signature campaign organized by the NERDWM with a purpose to voice out their demands for ramification of International Labour Organisation (ILO) convention on ‘Decent Work for Domestic workers’.
Meanwhile, the NERDWM hoped that ramification of this convention will bring back the dignity of domestic workers and domestic work, giving them visibility and recognition for the contribution they make to many families and the society as a whole.(SP News)
