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labour

Domestic Worker / Maid Rights

You are a domestic worker facing issues like non-payment of wages, abuse, excessive working hours, or you are an employer wanting to understand legal obligations.

Do this now
  1. 01If facing abuse — call 112 (Police) or Women Helpline 181
  2. 02Check the minimum wage for domestic workers in your state
  3. 03Demand a written employment agreement from your employer
  4. 04If wages are unpaid — file complaint with the Labour Commissioner
  5. 05If sexually harassed — file complaint with the Local Complaints Committee
  6. 06Contact domestic worker unions or NGOs for support
  7. 07If you are a minor domestic worker — it is illegal child labour, report to authorities
Evidence to collect
  1. Payment records — UPI transfers, receipts, bank deposits
  2. Work schedule and hours worked
  3. Written or verbal agreement details
  4. Messages or communication with employer about wages
  5. Medical reports if physically abused
  6. Witness statements from other domestic workers or neighbours
  7. Photographs of living conditions (if live-in worker)
Documents you need
  1. Complaint to Labour Commissioner
  2. Employment agreement (if available)
  3. Wage payment records
  4. ID proof (Aadhaar/voter ID)
  5. Medical reports (if applicable)
  6. Police complaint copy (if abuse is involved)
Where to complain
  1. Labour Commissioner — For wage disputes
  2. Police Station — For abuse, assault, or bonded labour
  3. Local Complaints Committee — For sexual harassment
  4. Women Helpline — 181
  5. National Commission for Women — ncw.nic.in
  6. CHILDLINE — 1098 (if worker is a minor)
Laws that apply
  1. Minimum Wages Act — Applicable to domestic workers in many states
  2. Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 — Covers domestic workers
  3. BNS Section 115 — Voluntarily causing hurt
  4. BNS Section 146 — Unlawful compulsory labour
  5. State Domestic Workers Welfare Acts (Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, etc.)
Understanding the issue

Domestic workers in India are entitled to minimum wages as notified by the state government. Many states have included domestic work under the Minimum Wages Act. Domestic workers are also protected against physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act covers domestic workers. Some states have enacted specific domestic worker welfare legislation. As of 2023, several states require written agreements between employers and domestic workers.

When to see a lawyer

Consult a lawyer or contact a domestic worker union if you are being denied wages, facing abuse, or if your employer is threatening you. Free legal aid is available through DLSA.