SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma has batted for the idea of creating an innovative concept to ensure that all domestic workers are able to send their children to schools which are capable of providing shelter and quality education.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion of International Domestic Workers’ Day at Sri Aurobindo Institute here on Thursday Sangma said that the “model programme”, which can be replicated in other states of the country, will assure domestic workers, who go about their day-to-day task of assisting their employers, that their children are having access to quality education which will enable them to compete with their counterparts from different backgrounds.
Single mothers can also avail the benefit of this programme.
While observing that most domestic workers are also single mothers, the chief minister reiterated that the government should look to enable their children realize their dreams as per their potentialities.
Sangma added that there is a need for schools to have exclusive seats for the children of domestic workers.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the Government’s special assistance programme for infirm, widows and single mothers will also be of great help to the domestic workers.
“For a state like Meghalaya which has limited resources, we have spent Rs 94 crore under the special assistance programme,” Sangma informed.
Sangma also called upon the departments of Labour and Social Welfare to jointly take up the responsibility to provide support to organizations working to empower the domestic workers through out-of-the-box, innovative approach involving all concerned to create the kind of environment that would benefit both the employer and the worker.
He also suggested that many employers can take advantage of the domestic workers to piggy-ride on the Government scheme of home-stays, where 30 per cent assistance for the whole project is given by the State, and train the domestic workers as chefs so that they transform into available workforce in promoting tourism.
“Domestic workers are an indispensable and important part of our society,” Sangma said adding that the Government would have meetings with domestic workers’ unions to follow up on their grievances.
The chief minister also said that domestic workers can be given skill training to improve their earning possibilities.
He also felt that a number of laws for domestic workers needs to be amended by the Parliament for the welfare of such people.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister along with other dignitaries also gave away certificates of various trainings on skill development conducted for the domestic workers.
Labour Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said that with the passing of the Domestic Workers Protection Bill 2015, domestic workers can fight for their rights, especially for wages, with their employers.
She also said that the Government was keen on providing all assistance to domestic workers for their upliftment.
Earlier, a memorandum on several issues concerning the domestic workers was also submitted to the chief minister.
It may be mentioned that the theme of this year’s International Domestic Workers’ Day was, “Regulate domestic works and recognize domestic workers as workers”.
Among others present on the occasion were Nongthymmai Legislator, Jemino Mawthoh, Director of Information & Public Relations, H.M. Shangpliang, Chairperson, Meghalaya State Women’s Commission, Theilin Phanbuh.
