Exclusive edu for domestic workers’ kids

SHILLONG, JUNE 16: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on Thursday proposed to introduce an ‘exclusive’ programme for domestic workers and single mothers in Meghalaya to ensure their children get accessible to better and quality education.

“The programme will be dedicated to all domestic workers and single mothers,” Sangma announced while addressing hundreds of domestic workers at the International Domestic Workers Day.

He added, “We will ensure schools have exclusive seats for children of domestic workers and single mothers.”

As per a survey conducted by the North Eastern Regional Domestic Workers’ Movement (NERDWM), over 25,000 domestic workers were identified in the state

Stating that the concept is to enable children of domestic workers to compete with the rest of the younger generation, Sangma said that this will be true empowerment and the programme can become a model programme.

“Let Meghalaya show the way and ensure that the programme is be replicated not only by the states in the country but by neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Nepal as well,” he added.

He said as the domestic workers are one of the important sections of the society and without them there is going to be an adverse impact on those depending on them, he said that there are many domestic workers who are also single mothers and the Chief Minister’s Social Assistance Scheme aims at reaching out to them being one of the targeted members of the society.

Initially, the scheme was extended only to infirm, widow and persons with disabilities but later the government decided to include single mothers as the beneficiaries of the CM scheme.

According to him, infirm are receiving the maximum benefit from the CM’s scheme followed by single mothers. “The government has paid up to Rs 94 crores under the CM social assistance scheme to the beneficiaries,” he said.

Sangma also informed that the centre government is also coming up with new laws to create a deterrent against exploitation and violence against domestic workers.

“However, we still need to have the existing laws amended and take measures to address their issues,” he said while assuring to examine the points in the memorandum submitted by the NERDWM.

The NERDWM has been demanding for creation of a separate ‘Domestic Workers Welfare Board’ for registration of domestic workers, assistance in case of accident, medical expenses and maternity benefits.

The movement also sought inclusion of domestic workers under different laws which include minimum wages Act 1948 besides protection of the rights of domestic workers through a national legislation.

In her speech, Labour minister Ampareen Lyngdoh said the state government is keen to implement the Domestic Workers Protection Bill, 2015 once it is passed by the parliament.-By Our Reporter