Decent work deficit in domestic work: A focus on part-time women workers in Delhi

Abstract

India comprises of more than 4 million domestic workers as per National Sample Survey 2004–2005. Among the total number of female working workers in urban India, about 11 per cent of female workers are engaged in paid-domestic service. Domestic workers suffer from different work uncertainties and unhealthy work life which hampers their overall well-being. The International Labour Organisation has recognised the miserable situation of domestic workers worldwide and on 16 June 2011, it announced Convention no. 189 on decent work for domestic workers. The convention aims to protect and liberate workers from in-decent work terms, multiple abuses/harassments, social insecurity and undervaluation of their work in mainstream employment. Seventeen ILO member nations have ratified the convention by 2014, whereas India being an active member is still far from ratifying the convention. Moreover, the country has no national legislative protection system for such workers. Drawing upon the NSSO 61st round, this paper explores the overall socio-economic status of domestic workers in urban India followed by a micro study on Delhi to understand various work and gender related aspects of part-time women workers. Finally, the study examines the decent work deficit in domestic work considering the case study of Delhi.