The labour ministry on Monday (24 June) said that it is considering a national policy for domestic workers in the country to recognise the domestic household help as eligible beneficiaries of the rights of workers, reports Economic Times.

“A draft national policy on domestic workers is under consideration of the central government," said Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar in reply to a question from Lok Sabha.

The policy, if finalised, would benefit 50 lakh domestic workers in India, including maids and drivers among others. It would also lead to the inclusion of domestic workers in the existing legislations. Besides, domestic workers will have the right to register themselves as workers which would facilitate their access to rights and benefits accruing to them as workers.

The draft national policy, if realised, will also empower the domestic workers with the right to form associations and trade unions. It would also entitle them to minimum wages, access to social security and protection from abuse, harassment and violence.