Unveiling the plight of domestic helpers amid Delhi’s wealthy façade

New Delhi: In the heart of the city, another story of cruelty and injustice unfolds, highlighting the harrowing experiences faced by domestic workers. Despite the seriousness of the situation, the authorities’ reluctance to intervene quickly exacerbates the victim’s suffering.

The story begins with a domestic worker, originally from a neighboring basti, employed in the prestigious Kaveri apartment complex in Vasant Kunj. Forced to take leave due to a kidney stone diagnosis, he contacted his employer, begging for understanding and rest. However, his employer’s insistence that he return to work, despite his poor health, set the stage for a series of unfortunate events.

While visiting the apartment to collect his previous month’s salary, the worker disappeared for an hour, sparking concern among his peers. Following a frantic search by his friends, the president of the Residential Welfare Association (RWA) and the police, he was discovered in the employer’s apartment, beaten and bruised. It took three hours of relentless pressure on the employer before the worker was finally released and rushed to Parmeshwari Devi Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Despite the seriousness of the incident, the response from authorities was slow, with police failing to take immediate action against the employer. It was only after fervent protests from colleagues and mounting pressure from the RWA that the police relented, filing a first information report (FIR) and apprehending the attacker.

Shreya, a compassionate social worker and Sangrami Gharelu Kamgar union activist, expressed dismay at the police’s delayed response, questioning the reasons for the prolonged inaction. His poignant words resonate with the collective frustration felt by the community.

Yet this story of injustice is not an isolated incident confined to the lanes of Vasant Kunj. Similar cases of abuse and exploitation are hitting domestic workers in Delhi, casting a shadow over the city’s affluent facade.

Despite the frequency of such incidents, the reluctance of authorities to act quickly remains a worrying trend, rooted in societal biases and systemic flaws.

However, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges in the form of collective action and advocacy. The creation of unions in areas like Vasant Kunj has enabled workers to raise their voices, demand justice and hold perpetrators accountable. This grassroots mobilization serves as a beacon of resilience, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.

As the spotlight shifts to other areas like Greater Kailash (GK) and CR Park, where similar atrocities have come to light, it is becoming increasingly clear that the plight of domestic workers transcends geographical boundaries. This is a pervasive problem that requires immediate attention and concerted action.

Faced with this ongoing crisis, legal and legislative support is essential. Lawyer Diksha Dadu, a staunch advocate for justice, highlights the urgent need for targeted legislation to protect the rights of domestic workers. “By enacting comprehensive laws and regulations, we can ensure they have the dignity, respect and protection they deserve,” she said.

“As we fight for a future where every worker is treated with fairness and compassion, let us heed the call for justice and stand in solidarity with the most vulnerable among us,” she concluded.