Daijiworld News Network – Mangalore (SS)

Mangalore, Mar 13: A public meet was organized by the Graha Karmikara Samagra Abhivruddi Vedike’, on Sunday March 12.

Prior to the meet, an ‘awareness rally’ to create awareness among the public, was held from Light House Hill to Police Grounds at  Hampankatta.

Addressing the gathering wherein nearly 500 domestic workers participated, Dr Raveendranath Shanbogh of Balakedarara Vedike (Udupi), said that it is necessary to pass Legislation for registration of domestic workers for protecting their interests. A proposal in this regard has been forwarded to the deputy commissioner to set up a unit in the DC’s office at Udupi, for registering those domestic workers who work outside the country. 

Fr Onil D’Souza, director, CODP, said that in spite of the huge number of domestic workers in the country, there aren’t any laws to protect them. The government has not even recognized them as labourers, he added.

In a memorandum submitted to the deputy commissioner, it was appealed for the compulsory registration of domestic workers. It also urged for Self-Help Groups to be formed by domestic workers and that the house owners should let the workers attend the meeting once a week.

Also present were Dr H V Parshwanath, deputy commissioner, Fr John Fernandes, director, Chair in Christianity, Mangalore University, Sr Elize Mary, Gertude Veigas, Child and Women Welfare Department and Gopala Gowda, labour officer.