Question : DOMESTIC WORKERS

(a)the total number of registered women domestic workers in the country;

(b)whether the Government has any estimates on the number of un-registered domestic workers in the country;

(c)if so, the factual position in this regard;

(d)the total reported cases of sexual offences against women domestic workers during the last three years and the current year along with their current status, year-wise and State-wise;

(e)whether the Government proposes to introduce any legislation specifically to protect domestic workers, both registered and un-registered, from sexual and other harassments at their work places;

(f)if so, the details thereof; and

(g)the details of steps being taken to protect the rights of women domestic workers?

MINISTER OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE)

(a) to (c): The detail of number of registered and unregistered domestic workers is not maintained. However, as per National Sample Survey (NSS) 2004-05, there are about 47.50 Lakh domestic workers in the country.

(d) to (g): The detail of cases of sexual offences against women domestic workers is not maintained at Central Level. As ‘Public Order’ is a State Subject, it is primarily the responsibility of the State Government to take necessary action for protecting people including the domestic workers in the State. The domestic work falls under the purview of State sphere and State Governments are empowered to enact legislations for domestic workers and take action for violation of rights of domestic workers. The Central Government has enacted the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act, 2008 for social security of the unorganised workers which includes domestic workers.