Kerala to Pioneer Legislation for Domestic Workers' Rights

Kerala government announces plans to introduce a groundbreaking law to ensure the welfare, rights, and security of domestic workers, addressing issues such as low wages and unsafe working conditions. This will be India's first state-level legislation for house-helps' protection.

In a significant move, the Kerala government has unveiled plans to enact pioneering legislation aimed at safeguarding the welfare and rights of domestic workers. State General Education and Labour Minister V Sivankutty made the announcement on Friday during a stakeholders' meeting regarding the draft bill.

Presently, no national policy exists to protect this essential workforce, making Kerala the first state in India to take legislative action. Minister Sivankutty highlighted the wide array of challenges faced by domestic workers, including unsafe work environments, low wages, and lack of social security.

The proposed bill aims to address these issues by setting minimum wages, defining working hours, and ensuring a safe workplace, along with provisions for contracts, employer responsibilities, and penalties for rights violations. The government also plans to uphold the dignity of domestic work and the privacy of these workers.

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