Gov urged to work towards welfare of domestic workers

DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 26 (MExN): The Assisi Centre for Integrated Development (ACID) and the Nagaland State Coordinator of the National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM) – Nagaland Region, along with the staff and leaders of the Nagaland Domestic Workers Union met the Nagaland State Governor, PB Acharya today at Chumukedima.  

A press note from the ACID and NDWM informed that during the meeting, the Governor was urged to initiate action towards the welfare of domestic workers in the state.  

Director of ACID, Sister Pramila Lobo informed that members of NDWM formed Domestic Workers’ Union in Nagaland to strengthen their fight for recognition, justice and empowerment. Presently, the union has 946 members belonging to 60 groups from different colonies in Dimapur district.   She also put forward the plight of domestic workers in and around Dimapur district and stated that since the Nagaland Domestic Workers Union is not yet registered, it is difficult to avail different schemes for the domestic workers.  

Grace Pamei, Programme Coordinator said there is a need to fix minimum wages within Nagaland and to include domestic workers under the employment schedule. She further revealed that many domestic workers are often treated rudely, their wages withheld, working without holidays, and with false accusations levelled against them. Nsungbeni Ezung, President of the Nagaland Domestic Workers Union and Vice President, Muni Devi expressed their grievances and their working experience. They also submitted a memorandum for the Governor to act upon. The memo demanded inclusion of domestic workers in the state under the scheduled and fixed minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act 1948, and under the Welfare and Social Security Act 2010.  

It called for protection of the rights of domestic workers through a Comprehensive National Legislation for Domestic Workers. It also asked that the Government of India ratify the ILO Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers.   After hearing the grievances of the domestic workers, the Governor reportedly said he would pressurize the Parliamentary Secretary for Labour & Employment to put forward the issue in the assembly session. The Governor also informed that he would sponsor ten girl children under the Beti Padhao Beti Bachao scheme from among the domestic workers.