Vulnerable maids

 

This is in regards to the Bill that was cleared by the Union Cabinet on Nov 4. The Bill revolves around protecting women against sexual harassment at the workplace. Therefore, women subjected to sexual advances (verbal or physical) has every right to complaint against their colleagues and if anyone is found guilty they’re likely to face financial penalties, loss of employment or even a police complaint.

Interestingly enough, the government has excluded domestic helps from the purview of the Bill, the most vulnerable section to such abuses. Officials argued that they were left out due to lack of witnesses and the effectiveness of the local community in the accused’s house.

The decision is outrageous. It is not only an act of injustice to the particular section but also injustice to the entire female community. It’s like synonymous to saying that maids are susceptible to such abuses and if by chance they lack witness, there’s nothing that can be done. Why is this section being left out? Are they not women? Isn’t it the same abuse? Providing witnesses for such a grave offence does not substantiate total exclusion of the entire domestic section. It in fact, demands crucial measures and exceptions that the government should take into consideration. The decision here is not only the future sorry plight of the domestic helps but also the increase of such offenders because, now, they can flout rules without impunity.