New Delhi: Laws alone cannot ensure dignity for domestic workers unless society begins to recognise them as workers with rights and protections like any other, experts said at a discussion organised by the National Platform of Domestic Workers (NPDW) in Delhi.
The event was attended by Michiko Miyamoto, India Director of the UN’s International Labour Organization (ILO), who listened to firsthand testimonies from domestic workers. Many workers described persistent issues such as non-payment of wages, discrimination, physical and sexual harassment, and the absence of formal worker rights and protections.
Miyamoto praised the NPDW for consistently highlighting the struggles of domestic workers and giving visibility to a group that remains largely “invisible” in public discourse, the organisation said in a statement.
Experts at the session emphasised that while society is heavily dependent on domestic workers, it often fails to acknowledge them as equal participants in the labour force. They noted that genuine change requires not only legislation but also a shift in societal attitudes.
Call for a National Law for Domestic Workers
Deepangkar Guha, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, underlined the urgent need for national-level legislation to protect domestic workers. He noted that several private members’ bills addressing domestic workers’ rights have been introduced, adding that India should honour its commitment to ILO Convention 189, which the country has signed.
Convention 189, also known as the Domestic Workers Convention (2011), lays down international standards for ensuring decent work conditions for domestic workers across the world.
For decades, domestic workers in India have demanded a dedicated law. At least 17 draft bills have been created over the years—some even introduced in Parliament—and these drafts have gradually expanded in scope. Experts added that the bill proposed by NPDW is particularly comprehensive.
Concerns Over New Labour Policy
Representatives from employer associations—covering both households employing domestic workers and the industrial sector—pointed out that the government’s new draft labour policy claims to be inclusive, yet lacks any provisions specifically addressing domestic workers.
ILO specialist Ravindran Pieres stated that employer groups have pledged to work towards stronger protections for domestic workers. Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Women and Child Commission emphasised the need not only for a dedicated law but also for extending POSH Act protections (against workplace sexual harassment) to domestic workers.
Support From Human Rights and Political Leaders
Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi, Chair of the National Human Rights Commission, stressed the critical need for a comprehensive nationwide law for domestic workers.
MP Senthil also assured the group that he would continue advocating for the passage of such legislation.