KOCHI: At a time when there are increasing incidents of domestic violence against household workers, a major scheme designed for the preservation of their rights is yet to be implemented.The Kerala Domestic Workers Welfare Scheme, which was launched with much hype for providing relief to the domestic workers, is yet to materialise, with the labour department concentrating more on the centrally-sponsored programmes. The scheme initiated by the previous LDF government, has already earmarked an amount of Rs 50 lakh for the purpose.Additional Labour Commissioner V L Anil Kumar says that the scheme was put on hold owing to pressure from the centre. “The Kerala Domestic Workers Welfare Scheme is put on hold as we got an intimation from the centre to go on with the schemes under the Social Security Act, 2008,” he said. However, he added that discussions are still going on regarding the scheme.But, P K Gurudasan, former minister for labour pointed out the foolishness of putting the scheme on hold, and moving ahead with the centrally sponsored schemes, as it would take time to receive central assistance.“Domestic workers is an underprivileged group. What they need is an immediate relief. Time lag will only worsen the situation,” Gurudasan said. He urged the state government to go ahead with this scheme. By the time they obtain the central aid, they can blend it with the other schemes, he added. National Domestic Workers Movement Kerala region coordinator Sister Sally said that, this scheme is first of its kind in the state, exclusively for domestic workers. Currently, the domestic workers are included under the Kerala Artisans and Skilled Workers Welfare Scheme, which also includes labourers in the other categories. But this scheme has very limited benefits. “One of the major limitation is that, only those domestic workers who are under the age of 49 comes under the purview the scheme. “Because of this, most of the workers are not able to avail the benefits. As far as our state is concerned, majority of domestic workers are above 49, which makes the proposed scheme very helpful,” she said. Under the Kerala Domestic Workers Welfare Scheme, a person who is 60 years of age can also become a member, she said. Another benefit of the scheme is with regard to the pension scheme. In Kerala Artisans and Skilled Workers Welfare Scheme, a member has to pay a premium of `120 for about 10 years for availing pension. But, if the Kerala Domestic Workers Welfare Scheme is implemented, a member needs to pay only `50 for a year to get pension. Under the new scheme, `75,000 is allotted for maternity and `5,000 as marriage assistance for girls and also for treatment facilities.
Comments
0 comment