Special Committee to Be Constituted for Resolving Domestic Workers’ Issues

Government Committed to Ensuring Social Security, Fair Wages and Safe Working Conditions for Domestic Workers

Hyderabad, June 16: Labour, Employment and Mines Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy announced that the State Government will soon introduce the Telangana Domestic Workers Welfare Act to ensure social security, dignified wages and safe working conditions for domestic workers. He also stated that a special committee would be constituted to address the issues and concerns of domestic workers across the state.

Speaking at a programme organized on the occasion of International Domestic Workers Day, the Minister said that the people’s government is taking concrete steps to bring security and dignity into the lives of lakhs of domestic workers in Telangana.

Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy observed that domestic workers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of households and contribute immensely to society through their often-unrecognized services. He described them as the backbone of society, supporting families through their dedicated work.

The Minister expressed concern that despite their significant contribution to nation-building and social development, domestic workers have yet to receive adequate recognition, protection and welfare benefits. He reiterated the government’s commitment to changing this situation and ensuring that domestic workers enjoy rights and opportunities on par with other categories of workers.

He emphasized that the welfare and safety of women domestic workers remain a priority for the government. The Minister revealed that efforts are underway to expand existing welfare schemes for unorganized sector workers so that domestic workers can also benefit from them.

Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy further stated that the government would study domestic workers’ welfare laws implemented in various countries and examine suitable models that can be adapted to Telangana’s requirements.

Highlighting the contribution of domestic workers, the Minister said that many of them work nearly 14 hours a day, making life easier for countless families. He noted that sustained struggles are often necessary for workers to secure their rights, citing the example of gig workers who gained legal recognition only after nearly 15 years of continuous efforts.

The Minister recalled the contributions of his late father and former Union Minister Kaka Venkataswamy, who played a key role in securing pension benefits for coal mine workers for the first time in the country. He said he considers it a privilege to have the opportunity to work for the welfare of workers and labourers.

Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy stressed the need for greater awareness in society to ensure that workers receive the respect they deserve for their labour. He called upon citizens to cultivate a culture of treating domestic workers with dignity and respect, as members of their own families.

On the occasion of International Domestic Workers Day, the Minister extended his greetings to domestic workers across Telangana and assured them that the government would always stand by them in safeguarding their welfare and rights.

Prominent social activist Prof. Haragopal, MLC Prof. Kodandaram, Deepak Chahar, Domestic Workers Union President Manjula, POW leader Sandhya, NAPM representative Meera Sanghamitra and several others participated in the programme.