The National Platform for Domestic Workers (NPDW) has urged the government to regulate the domestic service sector and provide better working conditions for its employees.
At a press meet held here on Saturday, P. Clarammal, State coordinator, Tamil Nadu Domestic Workers Association, said that women formed a large section of the household service sector and they often had to work in unsafe conditions.
“We urge the government to formulate laws that will ensure the personal safety of domestic workers and prevent exploitation by employers,” she said.
The body focused on the enactment of comprehensive central legislation for domestic workers, and the ratification of the International Labour Organisation’s C.189 (Decent Work for Domestic Workers) convention by the Union government. The inclusion of domestic workers in the draft labour legislation proposed by the Union government in 2020 was also mooted.
The body also urged the constitution of a trilateral labour board in every State to settle issues faced by the sector.
Domestic workers should also be able to enrol in schemes such as the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) and Provident Fund, and a minimum salary of ₹5,000 should be made mandatory for them, it said and suggested paid leave of three months for those availing maternity and ESI leave.
Published - October 24, 2026 07:35 pm IST