By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The domestic workers of Shillong under the banner North Eastern Regional Domestic Workers’ Movement (NERDWM) has rued the failure of the State Government to implement the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) for the benefits of workers in the unorganized sector, especially domestic workers.
NERDWM state programme coordinator Wanpynhun Kharsyntiew on Thursday questioned the delay by the government in implementing this scheme for the domestic workers.
“If the government can implement various others schemes, then why is it difficult to implement the RBYS scheme especially meant for the domestic workers of the State?” Kharsyntiew questioned.
Stating that they had taken up the matter with the State Chief Secretary last year, she informed that on follow up of the matter it was found that the documents have reached the Labour department where it is gathering dust.
“The Labour Commissioner has expressed inability to raise funds and suggested the formation of a board to raise funds to support the domestic workers,” Kharsyntiew said adding, “it will take several years for the government to form a managing board while we will continue to struggle for our livelihood.”
Forum leader R Mawthoh urged the Government to implement this scheme for the benefit of the domestic workers who are not able to afford expensive medicines, hospital bills etc., because of low monthly income.
The domestic workers also warned that if the government fails to implement the scheme, they would stage dharna, public rally or other agitations.