The Karnataka government is set to revolutionize the informal domestic help sector with a new draft Bill that aims to bring formal contracts, minimum wages, and social security benefits to thousands of domestic workers across the state.
Formalizing the Informal Sector
In Bengaluru, where numerous households depend on maids, cooks, drivers, and gardeners, the hiring process has traditionally been informal. Residents typically post vacancy ads on WhatsApp groups, followed by informal interviews where domestic workers negotiate wages and leave entitlements. Background checks are conducted through community networks and apartment management apps.
The Karnataka Labour Department's draft Domestic Workers Bill, released last month, seeks to change this informal system completely. The proposed legislation mandates written employment contracts specifying work hours, job nature, and entitled benefits, including a welfare fee. Both employers and domestic workers must register with the labour department within 30 days of hiring through a dedicated digital portal.
Key Provisions and Benefits
The Bill establishes minimum wages for domestic workers, with kitchen-related work set at Rs 20,112.75 per month or Rs 773.57 per day, while washing clothes, utensils, house cleaning, and childcare work is fixed at Rs 18,209.42 per month or Rs 700.36 per day. For part-time employment of one to two hours daily, the monthly rate for kitchen work would be approximately Rs 2,500.
Other significant provisions include:
- Maximum 48-hour work week with weekly offs
- Overtime allowances
- Annual paid leave
- Maternity leave
- Social security schemes
Geeta Menon, Joint Secretary of the Domestic Workers Union, emphasizes that "registration is the most crucial component of this Bill." She adds, "Having accurate and comprehensive data on domestic workers is crucial for the effective implementation of welfare schemes."
Penalties and Concerns
The Bill proposes strict penalties for violations, including imprisonment of up to three months and fines for employing workers without written agreements. This provision has raised concerns among residents who fear such harsh penalties might deter households from hiring domestic workers.
Santosh S Lad, Karnataka's Labour Minister, clarifies the government's position: "The draft Bill seeks to make life easier for everyone. There is no cause for concern for residents, unless and until they do something unlawful." He emphasizes that domestic workers already have legal recourse under existing laws for harassment cases.
The Bangalore Apartments' Federation has expressed practical concerns about the implementation. Vishwa Venkata Reddy, Project Lead at BAF, points out that "mandatory online registration for every employer and worker, written contracts, and multiple registrations for part-time workers are impractical, especially for senior citizens."
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
Residents have shared diverse perspectives on the proposed legislation. Mangala Rajagopalan from Phoenix One Bangalore West supports the Bill, stating "The provisions in the draft Domestic Workers Bill are feasible. India has become richer and can afford to pay domestic workers more."
However, architect Jaisim Krishna Rao opposes minimum wage fixation, arguing that "The moment you guarantee payment, laziness sets in. It is human nature."
Many employers already maintain positive relationships with their domestic workers. Shweta Chatterjee from Mantri Lithos shares, "We have developed a strong bond, and she now considers our home her own, carrying out her responsibilities with great care and dedication."
The Labour Department has received 16 objections to the draft Bill, including concerns about defining adolescent workers and establishing grievance mechanisms for employers. Assistant Labour Commissioner Meena Patil confirms they are reviewing all feedback before finalizing the legislation.
