Staff Reporter
Dimapur, June 17 (EMN): Labour Commissioner, L Nungshiyanger Aier, today categorically stated that the rights of the domestic workers will continue to be exploited without any set regulation.
Speaking on the occasion of International Domestic Workers’ Day on June 17 at Dimapur Town Hall, organised by the Nagaland Domestic Workers’ Union (NDWU), the Labour Commissioner said the need for a domestic help is found everywhere be it abroad, in India or even in Nagaland. He mentioned that even in urban areas like Dimapur, Kohima, and Mokokchung, there was tendency to employ domestic help in their absence.
The chief guest also advised some of the domestic workers present there about good moral values and to be always punctual and be honest to their employers. He also advised them to avoid tobaccos and alcohol before going to work and to maintain strict hygiene wherever they work.
He further suggested every domestic worker to maintain a written document by any means to defend themselves in times of need and to maintain safety measures to avoid disasters and to approach health and domestic welfare department to check different schemes for them.
Deputy Commissioner of Police, KPA Illayas, also addressed the domestic workers and shared his opinion not to focus too much on rights but perform their duties diligently. Referring to states like Kerela, where domestic workers are few in numbers, he said an individual has to visit several houses in a day and get high wages.
While referring to reports about domestic workers especially children running away from home because of ill-treatment, he also mentioned about witnessing a family who actually raised a domestic help like their own family.
In conclusion, he encouraged all concerned to visualise everyone as equal and expressed optimism to find a solution to the issue.
Sr. Mary CJ, Provincial Superior of Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of North East (UFSNE), urged upon the congregation to treat domestic workers with respect. She also thanked all the domestic workers, who took a day off, to attend the programme and encouraged them to be sincere in their duties but stand for their rights.
The concluded with a cultural show presented by the members of Nagaland domestic workers union and a vote of thanks delivered by Muni Deb, Vice President, (NDWU).
