Gujarat Government to Unveil Comprehensive Support Scheme for Domestic Workers
The Gujarat government is poised to introduce a landmark initiative aimed at significantly improving the living and working conditions for domestic workers across the state. According to high-level sources within the state administration, this comprehensive scheme is expected to be formally announced during the presentation of the state budget scheduled for next week.
Addressing Critical Housing and Commuting Needs
The core of the scheme involves the construction of dedicated dormitories in all major urban centers of Gujarat. These residential facilities will be specifically designed to provide safe, hygienic, and affordable housing for domestic workers. Government sources have highlighted that many domestic workers—individuals employed for household tasks such as cleaning, cooking, laundry, and caregiving for children and the elderly—currently reside in makeshift shanties near affluent residential neighborhoods. These informal settlements often lack basic civic amenities and pose significant safety and health risks.
The initiative will see local civic bodies taking charge of constructing and operating these dormitories, with the state government providing the necessary financial backing. A source closely involved with the development stated, "The rents will be kept nominal to ensure accessibility, and complementary transport arrangements will also be established to assist workers in reaching their places of employment efficiently."
Enhanced Registration and Administrative Framework
Beyond housing and transport, the scheme is designed to introduce a more structured framework for the domestic workforce. It will facilitate the official registration and systematic monitoring of domestic workers, bringing greater organization and oversight to the sector. The state's Department of Skill Development, Labour, and Employment has been designated as the nodal agency responsible for implementing the scheme. However, the day-to-day management of the dormitories will fall under the purview of various municipal corporations and local civic authorities.
This move builds upon previous welfare efforts by the Gujarat government. In last year's budget, the administration launched the 'Sakhi Sahas Scheme,' which focused on constructing hostels for working women in five key cities: Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot, and Gandhinagar. The new initiative for domestic workers represents a targeted expansion of such social welfare programs, addressing a distinct and often underserved segment of the workforce.
The anticipated announcement underscores the state's commitment to enhancing social security and improving the quality of life for essential service providers within the informal economy. By providing secure housing and reliable transportation, the government aims to foster a more dignified and sustainable working environment for thousands of domestic workers throughout Gujarat.
