Karnataka Moves to Regulate Pay and Work Hours for Domestic Workers

Quick Summary

• The Karnataka State government is considering a new law to regulate domestic work. A writen contract between employers and domestic workers will be mandatory.
• The proposed Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill includes provisions for fair wages, reasonable working hours (capped at 48 hours per week), paid leave, maternity/paternity benefits, and protection from forced labour.
• Employers or agencies must register before hiring domestic workers; non-registration can led to penalties, including imprisonment of up to six months and fines ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000.
• A mandatory registration portal will be used for workers’ registration. Illiterate or migrant workers will be registered by their employers/agencies on their behalf.
• Welfare measures include accident compensation, health coverage, pensions for retired/disabled workers, educational assistance for children, funeral support through the Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Fund. Municipal corporations will contribute via a 1% property tax levy.
• A tripartite State Board with representatives from stakeholders like employers and unions will oversee implementation along with district-level inspectors managing compliance and grievances.
• Sexual harassment complaints fall under seperate laws; victims of exploitation or abuse are guaranteed legal aid and rehabilitation services.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This draft legislation marks a significant step toward formalizing the rights of an often-overlooked segment of india’s informal labour force-domestic workers.Ensuring fair wages along with social security programs aligns with global standards in labor welfare while addressing decades-long demands heralded by informal workers’ groups.

The imposition of contracts could help eliminate exploitative practices such as forced overtime or denial of pay. However, proper enforcement mechanisms-including digital literacy support for registrations-will play a key role in its effectiveness across metropolitan areas where worker vulnerabilities persist most acutely.

If implemented successfully in Karnataka-the first state attempting such thorough regulation-it could set a precedent nationwide amid growing calls to recognize domestic work within broader protected labor frameworks. yet complexities like employer resistance or logistical hurdles around processes including registration campaigns may need active stakeholder involvement overseen by the tripartite board envisioned in this framework.

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