Overview

• Draft legislation requires every domestic worker, employer, placement agency and digital platform to register on a state portal, with written employment agreements covering wages, hours and welfare contributions.
• The bill proposes a Social Security and Welfare Fund financed by welfare fees of up to 5% of wages from employers or service providers, paid digitally on a quarterly or half-yearly basis with compliance statements.
• A tripartite State Domestic Workers Social Security and Welfare Board would manage schemes, inspections and grievance redressal, with district-level enforcement and powers similar to civil courts.
• Minimum standards include a 48-hour weekly cap, weekly rest, paid leave and access to benefits such as accident compensation, healthcare, maternity or paternity support, pensions, education aid and funeral assistance.
• Penalties in the draft include fines of ₹20,000–₹50,000 and up to six months’ imprisonment for non-compliance, with harsher punishment for offences like trafficking or employing child domestic workers.