In 2023 alone, over 4,000 cases of violence against domestic workers were reported

84% of Telangana domestic workers underpaid, survey reveals in 2022

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

As International Domestic Workers Day approaches on June 16, the National Platform of Domestic Workers (NPDW) has urged the Telangana government to take the lead in enacting a comprehensive law to protect the rights and dignity of over 11 lakh domestic workers in the state and nearly 30 million across India.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Basheerbagh Press Club on Saturday, Varghese Theckanath, member of the NPDW National Core Team, emphasized the urgent need for legislative action. “Domestic workers are the backbone of our homes, yet they remain invisible in the eyes of the law,” he said.

Referring to the Supreme Court’s landmark judgment delivered on January 29 this year, Varghese highlighted the Court’s directive to the Central Government to enact a law within six months. “No steps have been taken so far. If Telangana brings in a law, it can serve as a model for the entire country,” he added.

The need for legal protection is underscored by growing instances of exploitation and abuse. In 2023 alone, over 4,000 cases of violence against domestic workers were reported. A survey conducted in seven towns of Telangana in 2022 found that 84% of domestic workers were paid below minimum wage. Many are forced to work long hours without overtime, leave, or social security benefits.

Sr. Lissy Joseph, Convenor of NPDW Telangana, stressed the severity of the situation. “Our demand is simple, recognize domestic work as real work. These women deserve respect, protection, and rights,” she said. Ann Joseph, President of the Telangana Domestic Workers Union (TDWU), and Manjula Vallala, President of GUTS, outlined a national campaign to push for legislation. The campaign will include outreach to lawmakers, a postcard movement, district-level mobilization, public interest litigations, and public hearings across states.