Pune lockdown: Many societies lay down their own norms for maids

Pune: Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad including Cantonment area and rural parts are under strict lockdown till July 23 starting from today. In this lockdown, a strict measure has been taken by the administration as only dairies, hospitals and medical shops are allowed to function in the first phase (July 14-18). Later in the second phase (July 19-23), some relaxations will be given on the lockdown.

Amid the lockdown imposed, it has created a massive confusion amongst the people about the maids allowed in the society or not.

Meanwhile, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), as well as the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation, has banned maids from working in the houses around the city. However, to confirm that senior citizens, pregnant women and any patients do not face any problem during the stringent lockdown, caregivers have been permitted to carry on with their work.

The administration has also appealed people to contact them on their helpline number (18001030222) if in search of emergency services from plumbers and electricians.

Caretakers and nurses have been permitted to work after they get digital passes by applying on www.punepolice.in.

While the entire nation is gradually embracing normality, life in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad seems far from normal. Meanwhile, the restriction on the maids has left them worried about their pays, and they are baffled as to how they are going to earn a living. Talking about her plight, a domestic worker on the condition of anonymity said, “I was out of work for three months due the lockdown, and recently I resumed my work but now again the new lockdown has been started. I have finished my entire salary, and it is difficult to make ends meet.”

“Maids were taking precautions when we resumed the work earlier. Without any logic, the administration has taken this harsh decision, and it is hard to survive now,” she added.

Many residential apartments and societies are demanding domestic help services during the lockdown period. Lack of clarity on the decision has also left many residential societies to apply their own rules and regulations.

Edited by: Suvajit Mustafi