Chandigarh, June 16
More than 160 domestic workers across Punjab marked International Domestic Workers Day on Tuesday by calling for fair wages, better working conditions and greater legal protection for women employed in the informal sector. The events, organised by the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Punjab, were held across six districts — Mohali, Moga, Ferozepur, Gurdaspur, Malerkotla and Nabha — bringing together women who work in homes as cleaners, caregivers and household helpers.
In the weeks leading up to the day, domestic workers conducted awareness campaigns, signature drives and peaceful rallies to highlight the challenges they face, including low wages, lack of paid leave and limited social security benefits.
The SEWA spokesperson said the campaign reached around 1,000 workers, while signatures from 1,500 domestic workers were collected and submitted to Punjab’s Labour Commissioner and Additional Labour Commissioner as part of a demand letter seeking stronger protections.
Among those taking part was Suman Ben, a domestic worker and community leader from Mohali, who said the annual gathering gave workers a sense of solidarity and strength.
“Coming together reminds us of our collective power and encourages us to continue demanding a welfare board for domestic workers,” she said.
The SEWA spokesperson further said its long-term aim is to empower domestic workers within their communities and encourage wider recognition of their contribution to society and the economy.
The organisation welcomed a move by Punjab’s Labour Department in July 2024 to recognise domestic workers under scheduled employment and facilitate their registration on the e-Shram portal. However, it said more steps were needed, including the creation of a dedicated welfare board, implementation of minimum wages and an effective system to address workers’ grievances.
Domestic workers form one of the largest yet least visible groups within India’s informal workforce. Estimates suggest there are nearly five million domestic workers across the country, most of them women, although worker organisations argue the actual number could be significantly higher.
Despite their essential role in households, many domestic workers remain outside the protection of labour laws and welfare schemes, with campaigners saying enforcement of minimum wage provisions continues to be weak.
