DOMESTIC WORKERS: TO ALLOW OR NOT TO ALLOW IS THE QUESTION
Even after the government issued relaxations with lockdown 3.0, some RWAs are yet to give a nod to let domestic helps back in Delhi-NCR societies.
Residents, too, are at loggerheads on whether to allow househelps or not. For instance, a resident of Delhi’s Safdarjung Enclave, on condition of anonymity, says, “There are people who do not want to allow domestic helps at present, but there has been a constant debate on whether an exception can be made for senior citizens.”
Shweta Gupta, joint secretary of Noida’s Mahagun Moderne Society RWA, shares, “The cases are increasing by the day and residents’ safety can’t be compromised. We understand that residents are facing a problem, but the decision to not allow outsiders is for the benefit of all.”
The RWAs may have a strong case, but the residents have their own concerns. Payal Singh from Delhi’s Janakpuri says the absence of domestic help has made it hard for her to juggle work and take care of her aged parents. “My office requires me to work long hours… and it’s getting exhausting now. I understand the safety concerns, but to do so in spite of government’s orders is unfair!” she rues.
In Gurugram’s DLF Hamilton Court, part-time workers have been allowed since May 4. Isha Bhandari, the RWA’s cultural secretary, says, “Many senior citizens and other residents have called house helps, but there are concerns around how we can ensure the well-being of others. A committee has been formed to look into the matter.”