Plight of domestic helps deliberated

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 17: National Domestic Workers Movement, Ferrando Domestic Workers Alliance and Centre for Development Initiative observed International Domestic Workers' Day 2019 at the auditorium of Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong, today.
Additional Chief Secretary (Labour & Employment) Dr Suhel Akhtar, Chief Director of Commission for Social Communication cum Video Varitas, Asia, Reverend Mark Changkhan Ae and Commander of 9 Sector AR, Brig Amit Kabthiyal attended the event as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.
Speaking at the event, Dr Suhel Akhtar said that the role of domestic workers is very much indispensable in case of a family where all the members are working in offices and their role is even greater when it comes to the big cities.
Raising the question of whether the domestic workers are being treated with dignity by the employers, he said that when investigated if the domestic workers are being provided specific work hours and paid leaves, most of the time it is found that they do not get such benefits.
He then assured that steps will be taken up to fix the minimum wages for domestic workers in the State and informed that only the legal processes are left for its implementation. The Additional Chief Secretary also informed that the State Government will also investigate whether the domestic workers of the State are getting all the necessary benefits and schemes of the Government.
On the other hand, Brig Amit Kabthiyal said that the domestic workers are a huge work force but they are often neglected and unappreciated.
Despite the presence of Domestic Workers (Registration Social Security & Welfare) Act 2008, a lot is yet to be implemented, he said adding that as the Additional Chief Secretary himself is present at the event, it is likely that the State Government will take up various schemes and measures for the upliftment of the domestic workers.
He also lauded the organisers for organising the event in order to empower the domestic workers and assured that the Assam Rifles will do whatever it can for the welfare of the domestic workers.