Telangana Domestic Workers Seek Legal Recognition, Welfare Protection on International Domestic Workers Day

Hyderabad, June 17, 2026: Marking International Domestic Workers Day, domestic workers’ representatives in Telangana have called for comprehensive legislation and stronger social security measures to safeguard the rights and dignity of more than 11 lakh domestic workers across the State.

A memorandum outlining a series of demands was submitted on June 16 to G. Vivek Venkat Swamy, Minister for Labour and Employment, Government of Telangana. The representatives stressed that domestic workers remain largely invisible and unorganised despite their vital contribution to households and the urban economy.

Referring to recent directions from the Supreme Court of India, the memorandum urged the Telangana Government to establish a dedicated legal framework for domestic workers, drawing inspiration from legislative initiatives proposed in neighbouring states.

Among the key demands was the formal recognition of domestic workers as “workers” under the law rather than informal household help, enabling them to receive protection from exploitation, abuse, and workplace violence. The representatives also called for mandatory registration of domestic workers, employers, and placement agencies to ensure greater accountability and transparency.

The memorandum proposed the establishment of a Domestic Workers Welfare Board to administer benefits such as maternity assistance, old-age pensions, and death benefits. It further suggested earmarking one per cent of municipal tax revenue, in addition to workers’ contributions, to support welfare programmes for domestic workers who play an essential role in sustaining urban life.

Seeking greater social protection, the workers demanded inclusion in the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) and Provident Fund (PF) systems, annual health check-ups, and compensation for workplace injuries. They also called for strict enforcement of minimum wage provisions, periodic wage revisions based on living costs, and regulation of working hours, particularly for live-in domestic workers and childcare providers.

The memorandum highlighted concerns over wage theft, verbal abuse, and sexual harassment, urging the government to establish effective grievance redressal mechanisms. Additional demands included the issuance of official identity cards to facilitate access to government welfare schemes and the provision of affordable housing facilities near workplaces.

The representatives further appealed for the formation of a tripartite committee comprising trade union leaders, labour rights experts, employers, and government officials to finalise draft legislation and place it before the State Assembly during its upcoming session.

The memorandum was submitted by Varghese Theckanath S.G., Honorary President of Gruhakarmikula Union Telangana State (GUTS) and the National Platform of Domestic Workers (NPDW), and V. Manjula, Working President of GUTS.

The demands reflect a growing movement across India seeking legal recognition, social security, and dignified working conditions for domestic workers, many of whom continue to labour without formal protections despite their indispensable contribution to society.

By Catholic Connect Reporter