Dimapur, June 1 (MExN): The National People's Youth Front (NPYF), Dimapur District, has urged the Nagaland government and legislators to enact a comprehensive law for the protection and welfare of domestic workers, citing their continued vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.
In a statement, the youth body expressed concern over the plight of thousands of young men and women, particularly from rural and economically disadvantaged areas of the state, including Eastern Nagaland, who migrate to urban centres in search of employment and often take up domestic work as a means of livelihood.
While such employment provides economic opportunities, the organisation said the absence of a dedicated legal framework leaves domestic workers exposed to various forms of exploitation.
According to NPYF, domestic workers perform essential services that contribute significantly to households and society but continue to face challenges such as physical abuse, sexual harassment, non-payment of wages, excessive working hours, denial of educational opportunities for minor workers and restrictions on personal freedom.
The organisation noted that unlike workers in the formal sector, domestic workers are employed within private households where monitoring and oversight are limited, making them particularly vulnerable. Many workers, it said, suffer in silence due to the absence of effective grievance redressal mechanisms, fear of retaliation, loss of employment and lack of awareness about their rights.
Calling for the enactment of a Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Act, NPYF said the proposed legislation should provide for mandatory registration of domestic workers and employers, written employment contracts, regulation of working conditions, protection from abuse and the establishment of dedicated complaint and grievance redressal systems.
The youth body further suggested that the law should include provisions for emergency helplines, shelter homes, legal aid, counselling services, rehabilitation support for victims and stringent penalties against employers found guilty of exploitation or abuse.
Stating that the protection of domestic workers is a matter of social justice, human dignity and responsible governance, NPYF said a dedicated law would create a safer and more accountable environment for both workers and employers.
The organisation called upon legislators, policymakers, civil society groups and citizens to support the introduction of a comprehensive legal framework, asserting that inclusive development cannot be achieved if domestic workers remain unprotected and invisible despite their contribution to society.
.JPG)
