Domestic Workers in Telangana Renew Call for Legal Protection

Hyderabad, March 14, 2026: Domestic workers and labour rights advocates in Telangana have renewed their appeal for a comprehensive law to safeguard the rights and dignity of domestic workers. The demand was voiced during a public meeting organised at the Basheerbagh Press Club by the Gruhakarmikula Union Telangana State (GUTS) along with several partner organisations, urging the state government to introduce the proposed Telangana Domestic Workers Bill 2026 in the Legislative Assembly.

The gathering, held in connection with International Women’s Day, brought together a large number of domestic workers—most of them women—who shared concerns about their working conditions and called on legislators to recognise domestic work as dignified labour deserving legal protection. Similar awareness programmes were conducted across several districts, including Suryapet, Wanaparthy, Sangareddy and Patancheruvu.

GUTS, a grassroots trade union representing more than 14,000 members, highlighted the urgent need for legal safeguards for domestic workers in the state. According to the union, nearly 11 lakh domestic workers in Telangana—many belonging to marginalised communities such as Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and minority groups—continue to work without formal recognition or adequate labour protection.

The union linked its demand to India’s commitment to the International Labour Organization Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers and its Recommendation 201, adopted in 2011. Although India is a signatory, the country has yet to ratify the convention or enact comprehensive legislation guaranteeing decent working conditions for the nearly 30 million domestic workers across the nation.

Speakers at the meeting also referred to a recent ruling of the Supreme Court of India delivered on January 29, 2025, which drew attention to the widespread exploitation and legal invisibility faced by domestic workers. The Court directed the Central Government to initiate national legislation ensuring legal protection and social security for domestic workers, while also stressing the responsibility of state governments to regulate and protect them through appropriate laws.

During the meeting, workers spoke of persistent challenges such as low and irregular wages, long working hours, lack of social security and the absence of legal recognition. Participants urged members of the Telangana Legislative Assembly to prioritise the issue and introduce a Domestic Workers Bill that would ensure minimum wages, fair working conditions, social security and legal protection.

Following the public meeting, participants undertook a postcard campaign, marching from the Press Club to the Abids General Post Office. From there, they sent postcards to Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, urging the government to introduce and pass the Domestic Workers Bill during the upcoming Assembly session scheduled to begin on March 16.

Speakers also recalled that the undivided Andhra Pradesh had once taken a pioneering step by including domestic workers under the Minimum Wages schedule, inspiring similar measures in other states. They expressed hope that Telangana would once again lead the way by enacting a comprehensive law that ensures dignity, fair wages and social security for domestic workers.

Domestic Workers in Telangana Renew Call for Legal Protection

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