Research Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences
Year : 2019, Volume : 10, Issue : 2
First page : ( 667) Last page : ( 682)
Print ISSN : 0975-6795. Online ISSN : 2321-5828.
Article DOI : 10.5958/2321-5828.2019.00111.6

Domestic Workers in India: Need for A Comprehensive Law

Dr. Reghunathan K.R

Chairman, Board of Studies in Law, M.G University, Kottayam, Faculty, Govt. Law College, Ernakulam

Online published on 25 July, 2019.

Abstract

In India, exploitation of domestic workers is rampant. Such incidents involving women and children are regularly reported. With no rights, most of them have become contemporary slaves. Many of them are trafficked and exploited by the placement agencies, which operate without any form of State regulations. In the last few decades there has been a tremendous growth in the demand for domestic workers. To meet this demand there has been a spurt of thousands of placement agencies providing domestic workers. The feeble master-servant relationship leads to low wages, sexual abuse, cruelty and ill-treatment of domestic workers. Employment of children as domestic workers is another serious issue. Individuals belonging to the lower strata of the society are forced to domestic work on account of their financial backwardness. The governing authority has always turned blind eye towards the welfare of this unorganised sector. The stray incidents of judicial intervention are the only ray of hope. A comprehensive legislation is the need of the hour.

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Keywords

Domestic worker, social security, minimum wage, sexual harassment, state insurance, unorganised workers.

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