SC asks States to evolve plan on domestic workers’ wages, Pg14

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court has directed states to develop mechanisms for including domestic workers under the Minimum Wages Act and the Code of Wages of 2019.
• The court's direction came in response to petitions from domestic workers' unions, led by Penn Thozhilalargal Sangam, highlighting the exploitation of domestic workers.
• States are required to take a "final call" on providing legal protection and benefits to domestic workers.

Detailed Insights:

• The court acknowledged domestic workers as one of the "most exploited" sections of workers in the country, emphasizing the need for constitutional obligations to be fulfilled.
• The Minimum Wages Act aims to set a floor for wages to prevent exploitation, while the Code of Wages, 2019 seeks to consolidate and simplify wage-related laws.
• Inclusion under these laws would ensure domestic workers receive fair wages, social security benefits, and legal protection against unfair labor practices.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Minimum Wages Act: Legislation ensuring a minimum wage to protect workers from exploitation.
• Code of Wages, 2019: Law consolidating wage-related regulations and aiming for simplified compliance.