Insurance mulled for domestic workers

A government task force has suggested extending the flagship health insurance scheme and maternity, death and disability benefits to lakhs of domestic workers.

The task force has favoured that Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana should cover domestic workers, a Labour Ministry official said on Monday.

"The government is examining the recommendations," he said.

Other recommendations by the task force include welfare measures like old age benefits, he said. In its report, the task force said that RSBY should be the first welfare scheme to be extended to the domestic workers.

The smart cards used under RSBY can later be used to load other welfare schemes rolled out for the household helpers.

The task force underscored that domestic workers should be identified and registered by the state labour department and they should be included in the Central List of scheduled employment under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 for fixation and enforcement of minimum wages.

State governments which have not fixed minimum wages for domestic work should prepare one, it suggested.

Further, it has recommended mandatory registration of all placement agencies and individuals providing placement, sourcing and recruitment service relating to domestic work under Shops and Establishment Act.

Besides, it has emphasised on formulation of a national policy for the domestic workers and scaling up of the skill and re-skill training program initiated by International Labour Organisation.