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CONTEXT

Domestic workers help run our homes every day, yet their contributions often go unrecognised, with little pay, protection, or respect. We take a closer look at the situation in India and Maharashtra.

Domestic Workers in India

 Key Statistics

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  • 2.89 crore (28.9 million) domestic workers are registered on e-Shram portal (as of June 2025)
     

  • 39 lakh (3.9 million) are employed in private households
    -(NSSO, 2011–12)
     

  • 26 lakh (2.6 million) are female domestic workers
    -(NSSO, 2011–12)

Lack of Legal Recognition and Protection

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  • Domestic workers are part of the large unorganised sector
     

  • They remain excluded from key labour law protections
     

  • Most have no job security or access to guaranteed social security benefit.

Undignified and Unsafe Working Conditions

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  • Abuse often goes unreported due to the absence of systems to monitor and address violations
     

  • Working in many homes means no single employer is responsible for the worker’s rights
     

  • No access to clean toilets or changing spaces at the workplace

The Supreme Court, in a historic judgement dated 29 January 2025, highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive national law to protect the rights of domestic workers.

Domestic Workers in Maharashtra

 Key Statistics

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  • 8.27 lakh (0.82 million) domestic workers registered on the e-Shram portal (as of June 2025)
     

  • As per the YUVA–MRGKSS study (2025)

    1. 99% of surveyed domestic workforce in Maharashtra comprised women. 

    2. 20% are widowed, and 40% sole earners of their families.

    3. 47% belong to Scheduled Castes

    4. 70% are not registered with Domestic Workers Welfare Board

Maharshtra Domestic Workers' Welfare Board

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  • Established in 2011 under the Maharashtra Domestic Workers Welfare Board Act, 2008
     

  • Marked a significant milestone by legally recognising domestic workers as ‘workers’, both symbolically and legislatively
     

  • Structured as a tripartite board representing domestic workers, employers, and the State Government
     

  • Mandated to register domestic workers and provide access to social security schemes and welfare measures

Issues and Concerns

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  • Since 2014, the board has had only one government representative, with no participation from employers or domestic workers
     

  • No social security schemes have been implemented through the board

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  • Registration remains poor, due to a slow and delayed process, and absence of tangible welfare benefits
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  •  A 2025 policy brief highlights these challenges and recommend corrective action

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