BENGALURU: Given the spike in Covid positive cases and deaths, Bengalureans told domestic helps not to report for work as they feared the risk of infection would be higher.
This the second time in the past three months after many employers asked them to return to work when lockdown restrictions were eased. About 3 lakh domestic helps across the state are now without jobs and a steady income.
Sanjaynagar-based Maheshwari, 45, was in tears last Friday after one of her employers asked her not to come until the situation got better. It’s the fourth house that terminated her service since March and now she works in just one residence. Her monthly income has plunged from about Rs 15,000 to Rs 3,000. She has to pay Rs 4,000 rent every month and also feed a family of four. “I don't know how long this will continue and how I can manage," she said.
“About 1.5 lakh domestic helps lost their jobs in Bengaluru alone. The statewide number would be over 3 lakh,” said Selvi Srinivas, general secretary, domestic helps’ wing, CITU.
As per the Karnataka Unorganised Workers Welfare Board, the state has around 6 lakh domestic helps, including 2 lakh in Bengaluru.
“I used to clean a police station and work at three houses. When two policemen tested positive, the house owners asked me not to come to work. One even insisted I get tested,” said Parvata.
Software engineer Venkatesh, like many, has given a three-month break to his domestic help. “In this situation, we have to be cautious. We’ll hire them once things are normal," said some employers who are giving them their wages anyway.
Welfare board silent
The welfare board is a mute spectator to their plight as it has no funds allocated to it for such exigencies. Unfortunately, all workers are not registered with the board to facilitate disbursement of assistance. “Only 15,000 domestic help are registered with the board,” said a board official on condition of anonymity.
This the second time in the past three months after many employers asked them to return to work when lockdown restrictions were eased. About 3 lakh domestic helps across the state are now without jobs and a steady income.
Sanjaynagar-based Maheshwari, 45, was in tears last Friday after one of her employers asked her not to come until the situation got better. It’s the fourth house that terminated her service since March and now she works in just one residence. Her monthly income has plunged from about Rs 15,000 to Rs 3,000. She has to pay Rs 4,000 rent every month and also feed a family of four. “I don't know how long this will continue and how I can manage," she said.
“About 1.5 lakh domestic helps lost their jobs in Bengaluru alone. The statewide number would be over 3 lakh,” said Selvi Srinivas, general secretary, domestic helps’ wing, CITU.
As per the Karnataka Unorganised Workers Welfare Board, the state has around 6 lakh domestic helps, including 2 lakh in Bengaluru.
“I used to clean a police station and work at three houses. When two policemen tested positive, the house owners asked me not to come to work. One even insisted I get tested,” said Parvata.
Software engineer Venkatesh, like many, has given a three-month break to his domestic help. “In this situation, we have to be cautious. We’ll hire them once things are normal," said some employers who are giving them their wages anyway.
Welfare board silent
The welfare board is a mute spectator to their plight as it has no funds allocated to it for such exigencies. Unfortunately, all workers are not registered with the board to facilitate disbursement of assistance. “Only 15,000 domestic help are registered with the board,” said a board official on condition of anonymity.
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