The International Labour Organization organised a workshop on Friday to discuss the issue of bringing the rights of domestic workers under the legal ambit in the national capital of Delhi.
Labour Minister Shri Raaj Kumar Anand was present as the chief guest and expressed his views on the oppression often suffered by domestic workers.
Addressing the workshop, Shri Raaj Kumar Anand said that under the able leadership of Chief Minister Shri Arvind Kejriwal, continuous work is being done for the welfare of labourers in Delhi. He added that Shri Arvind Kejriwal believes that he is not a labourer but a producer and a creator of the country’s destiny. The Kejriwal government has formulated and implemented 17 welfare schemes covering education, health, safety and pension for construction workers in the capital. The Delhi government will soon come up with similar welfare schemes for domestic workers.
The Labour Minister said that around 5 lakh domestic workers are working in Delhi, a major part of the capital’s total workforce. He remarked that such a workshop is very important for domestic workers and those who work in their interests and on their behalf, because through this, “we are able to acknowledge the contribution of domestic workers in our society, and honour them.”
He added that it is a matter of regret that even after their significant contribution, domestic workers are compelled to lead a very poor life. They often have to work long hours for low wages and are not given a safe working environment. But the good news is that the highest minimum wages are paid to the workers right here, in Delhi.
The Delhi government clearly recognizes issues related to domestic workers and will take all their demands into full consideration, Shri Raaj Kumar Anand assured. The Kejriwal government will work with international organisations, civil society and domestic help unions for the betterment of the lives of domestic workers.
