Domestic workers

Domestic workers in Bangalore face various challenges, similar to others in different places. While their experiences may differ, common problems exist. These include low pay and job insecurity, often because they don't have formal work contracts. The nature of their job means they work long hours without enough breaks, leading to tiredness and health issues. Many don't have access to social security benefits like health insurance or pension, making them financially vulnerable. Additionally, some face exploitative working conditions with verbal or physical abuse, often unreported due to fears of losing their jobs. Limited access to education and training holds back their professional growth. Inadequate legal protections make it hard for them to address issues like unfair treatment or unpaid wages. The undervaluation of their work leads to discrimination and a lack of respect at work and beyond. Many domestic workers lack collective bargaining power as they work in individual households, making it difficult to improve their working conditions. Transportation problems, relying on irregular or unsafe public transport, add to their challenges. Language barriers, especially for migrant workers, make it hard to communicate with employers. Overall, the varied challenges highlight the need for fair measures to improve the well-being and rights of domestic workers.

Summary of key issues in accessing schemes


Key issues in Accessing Schemes:

  1. No Dedicated Department or Scheme: Domestic workers face a major challenge as there is neither a dedicated department nor a specific scheme designed for their improvement.
  2. Informal Sector Worker Classification: Their situation is exacerbated by being categorized as informal sector workers, lacking proper representation and having no established written rules or agreements. Instead, their arrangements primarily rely on verbal understandings.
  3. Lack of Fixed Wages and Hours: Furthermore, the absence of fixed wages or standard working hours adds to the difficulties faced by domestic workers, who heavily rely on daily earnings.
  4. Local Discontent with Low Wages: Local Kannadiga domestic workers express dissatisfaction with those coming from other places, such as Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Assam. This discontent arises because these workers often accept jobs for very low pay.
  5. Transition from Clothing Industry to Domestic Work: Many individuals, previously employed in the clothing industry, transition to domestic work due to challenging working conditions, low pay, high work targets, and harassment, despite having benefits like PF/ESI.

  6. Financial Burden of Money Transfers: Workers face an additional financial burden as they have to pay a fee ranging from 5% (using formal methods like money order) to 10% (utilizing informal methods like agents) for money transfers.

  7. Influx of Migration for Employment Opportunities: Over the last 5-6 years, there has been a substantial influx of individuals from Chhattisgarh (CG) and Jharkhand (JH) to this region, driven by the promise of employment opportunities.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) play a crucial role in addressing these challenges by supporting domestic workers in coming together through collectives. This collaborative approach enables them to collectively address and overcome their shared concerns, with active involvement and guidance from CSOs.

  1. Fedina and Mitr Sanketa are actively addressing various challenges faced by domestic workers by fostering unity among them and providing education on demanding higher pay. Their goal is to increase the workers' earnings from the current range of Rs 800-1,000 to Rs 3,000 for each hour of work, ultimately enhancing their monthly earnings.

Lega provision of social security

Budgetary support

State and/or central government share in funding

Applicable entitlements

Benefits

Amount (Rs.)

Frequency

Applies to

Timeline for submission

Smart Card
one-time Worker
Old age pension 600-1000 Monthly Old age  
Widow pension 200 Monthly Widow  
Thayi card        
Bhagyalakshmi        
Food grains via PDS        
Disability pension 400-1200 based on disability % Monthly Disabled Individuals  
Medical        
Sampatti Card



Ambedkar Labor Help Hand Scheme

What is Ambedkar Labor Help Hand Scheme?

The Karnataka State Government currently recognises workers in 43 sectors as unorganized workers and Karnataka State Unorganized Workers Social Security Council is implementating the "Ambedkar Karmika Sahay Hasta Yojana". The follwing programmes have been undertaken under the said scheme. 

What are the schemes under Ambedkar Karmika Sahay Hasta Yojana?

  1. Smart Card Facility
  2. Shram Samana and Speacial Award

 

Various schemes on CSOs collaborating with Domestic workers

In Bangalore, two Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), namely Mitr Sanketa and the Foundation for Educational Innovations in Asia (FEDINA), are working in partnership with domestic workers to enable their participation in different schemes.

Central and state schemes aimed at providing benefits to this group of domestic workers are presented here, along with a focus on highlighting the challenges and issues faced by these workers in their efforts to access these schemes.

 

 

Scheme 1.1- Pension (Old age)

old age pension.jpg

What is old age pension?

The scheme "Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)" is one of the five sub-schemes of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). Under IGNOAPS, citizens living Below Poverty Line and 60 years or above in age are eligible to apply. A monthly pension of Rs 600 - Rs 1000 depending upon the state share of the pension. The NSAP at present includes five sub-schemes as its components:

  1. Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
  2. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)
  3. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS)

What is the eligibility criteria for accessing benefits from the old age pension scheme?

  1. The applicant should be a citizen of India.
  2. The applicant should be living Below Poverty Line.
  3. The applicant should be at least 60 years of age.

Key aspects related to Old age pension

Benefits

Amount (Rs.)

Frequency

Applies to

Contribution by worker (Rs.)

Time specified (days)

Time taken (days)

Fee specified (Rs.)

Money spent (Rs.)

Timeline for submission

Old age pension

A monthly pension of Rs 600 - Rs 1000 depending upon the state share of the pension

Monthly

Old age 

-

         

What type of documents required for application?

  1. Duly filled and self-attested Application Form (proforma given the annexures of the scheme guidelines).
  2. Domicile Certificate                                                                                                  
  3. Residential Proof (Voter card/ Electricity Bill/Aadhar Card)                                                    
  4. Age Proof (Birth Certificate issued by the School last attended or Municipal authority or SHO or through Medical Board) 
  5. Aadhar Number                                                                                            
  6. Bank Passbook                                                                                                                
  7. Ration Card                                                                                                                        
  8. Affidavit duly attested by Judicial Magistrate/Executive Magistrate that she/he is not in receipt of any pension/ financial assistance from any other source

What is the procedure to apply?

Why do domestic workers often fail to receive the pension?

Domestic workers frequently face challenges in obtaining pensions for several reasons:

On-gorund implementation issues:

  1. Stringent Approval Criteria: Inspectors may disapprove pension applications if they perceive the applicant's living conditions as relatively comfortable, such as having a well-built house or the presence of a television or children.
  2. Bribery Practices: Inspectors allegedly demand bribes, creating an additional barrier for domestic workers to access pension benefits.
  3. Cancellation of Cards: There are reported instances where BPL (Below Poverty Line) and OAPS (Old Age Pension Scheme) cards are canceled, particularly for individuals aged 80 and above, impacting their eligibility for pension benefits.
  4. Family Composition Criteria: Some pension schemes, such as the Old Age Pension Scheme, may have specific criteria related to family composition, including the presence of a son above 18 years of age. This condition can disqualify applicants.

Lack of supporting documents-

  1. Age Discrepancies and Illiteracy: Illiteracy among senior citizens often results in discrepancies in age, name, and address across various documents, potentially leading to the rejection of pension applications.

Policy design issues

  1. Non-Automatic Transition in Pension: In certain cases, the transition to an increased pension amount at a specific age may not be automatic, requiring additional steps for eligibility.
  2. Post-Covid Removals: Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been instances where the department removed individuals aged 80 and above from pension lists, assuming they had passed away due to COVID-19. This erroneous assumption further hinders eligible individuals from accessing pension benefits.

These multifaceted challenges, including restrictive approval criteria, bribery practices, family composition requirements, and bureaucratic errors, collectively contribute to the difficulties that domestic workers often encounter in securing pensions.

Scheme 1.2- Pension (Widow pension)

widow pension.jpg

What is widow pension?

The scheme "Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS)" is one of the five sub-schemes of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). Under IGNWPS, widows living Below Poverty Line, aged between 40 to 59 years, are eligible to apply. A monthly pension of ₹ 200 is provided to the beneficiary.

What is the eligibility criteria for accessing benefits from the widow pension scheme?

  1. The applicant should be a citizen of India.
  2. The applicant should be living Below Poverty Line.
  3. The applicant should be a widow.
  4. The applicant should be between 40 and 59 years of age.

Key aspects related to widow pension

Benefits

Amount (Rs.)

Frequency

Applies to

Contribution by worker (Rs.)

Time specified (days)

Time taken (days)

Fee specified (Rs.)

Money spent (Rs.)

Timeline for submission

Widow pension

A monthly pension of Rs. 200 is provided to the beneficiary

Monthly

Widow 

-

         

What type of documents required for application?

  1. Duly filled and self-attested Application Form (proforma given the annexures of the scheme guidelines).Domicile Certificate                                                                                                  
  2. Residential Proof (Voter card/ Electricity Bill/Aadhar Card)                                                    
  3. Age Proof (Birth Certificate issued by the School last attended or Municipal authority or SHO or through Medical Boar
  4. Aadhar Number                                                                                            
  5. Bank Passbook                                                                                                                
  6. Ration Card                                                                                                                        
  7. Affidavit duly attested by Judicial Magistrate/Executive Magistrate that she/he is not in receipt of any pension/ financial assistance from any other source
  8. Death Certificate of husband3 Passport size photographs of the applicant

What is the procedure to apply?

Why do domestic workers often fail to receive the pension?

Domestic workers frequently face challenges in obtaining pensions for several reasons:

On-ground implementation

  1. The process becomes notably challenging if the death does not occur in Bengaluru.
  2. Multiple certificates and affidavits are required from the Taluk office to navigate the administrative procedures.
  3. These documents likely include proof of the death's legitimacy, establishing the identity of the deceased, and fulfilling other administrative requirements.
  4. Obtaining a death certificate is a crucial step, serving as a legal document confirming the occurrence of death.
  5. Affidavits may be necessary to verify specific details related to the deceased individual.
  6. The need for various documentation and administrative steps, particularly when the death occurs outside Bengaluru, contributes to a more complex and time-consuming process.
  7. This complexity can result in delays in accessing pension benefits or settling affairs related to the deceased.
  8. The additional bureaucratic layers add to the emotional and logistical challenges faced by individuals dealing with the aftermath of a death.

    Scheme 1.3- Pension (Disability pension)

     

    disability.jpg

    What is disability pension?

    Individuals with disabilities, known as Divyangjan, are eligible for a pension of Rs. 300 per month if their age falls between 18 and 79 years. For those aged 80 years and above, the pension amount is increased to Rs. 500 per month. Karnataka holds the distinction of being the pioneer state to provide a monthly maintenance allowance of Rs. 400 to four lakh persons with disabilities. Additionally, individuals with a disability percentage of 75% or higher receive a monthly payment of Rs. 1200.

    What is the eligibility criteria for accessing benefits from the disabilty scheme?

    The eligibility criteria for a disabled person to avail the benefits are as follows.

    1. The age of the applicant should range between 18-79 years.
    2. The applicant should be a resident of India.
    3. The applicant should be a physically or mentally disabled person.
    4. The applicant’s disability should be more than 80%.
    5. Dwarfs are also eligible for this scheme.
    6. The applicant should belong to Below Poverty Line.

    Key aspects related to disability pension

    Benefits

    Amount (Rs.)

    Frequency

    Applies to

    Contribution by worker (Rs.)

    Time specified (days)

    Time taken (days)

    Fee specified (Rs.)

    Money spent (Rs.)

    Timeline for submission

    Disability pension

    Monthly allowance of Rs. 400 persons with disabilities, and those with a disability percentage of 75% or higher receive Rs. 1200.

    Monthly

    Disabled 

    -

             

    What type of documents required for application?

    1. BPL CardAadhaar cardAge Proof - For age, the birth certificate or school certificate may be relied on.
    2. In their absence ration card and EPIC may be considered.
    3. If there is no valid document, any Medical Officer of any government hospital may be authorized to issue the age certificate.
    4. Disability certificate:- Disability certificate (80% and More) issued from Chief Medical Officer, Community Health Centre or Primary Health Centre will be accepted.
    5. Passport Size Photographs.

    What is the procedure to apply?

    Online

    Offline

    Why do domestic workers often fail to receive the pension?

    The application process for disability benefits requires individuals to go through multiple steps, creating a complicated and challenging procedure, particularly for physically challenged persons who may find it difficult to navigate various departments. The detailed process involves the following steps:

    On-ground implementation

    1. Hospital Visit: The first step requires individuals to visit a hospital to initiate the application process for the Unique Disability Identification (UDID) card. This involves medical assessments to determine the extent of disability.
    2. Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD): After obtaining the disability certificate from the hospital, the next step involves domestic worker (woman) visiting the Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD) for further processing. This department likely handles aspects related to disability benefits and support.
    3. Taluk Office Visit: Subsequently, individuals are required to visit the Taluk office, presumably for additional verification and formalities related to disability certification and benefits.

     

     

     

     

    Scheme 2: Thayi Bhagya Scheme

    thayi-bhagya-scheme-updates.png

    What is Thayi Bhagya Scheme?

    The Karnataka Thayi Bhagya Scheme, specifically targets pregnant women and lactating mothers in the state. It's aim to provide essential, cost-free medical treatment to pregnant women. Under this initiative, the government offers cashless pre and post-delivery services, allowing beneficiaries to access treatment in government or empanelled private medical hospitals without financial burden. Eligibility is limited to women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL), Schedule Caste (SCs), and Schedule Tribe (STs) Category. The benefits encompass free delivery in private or government hospitals, cashless pre and post-pregnancy treatment, free transportation, checkups, and medicines. This scheme plays a crucial role in ensuring that economically disadvantaged women receive quality healthcare during pregnancy. The assistance covers the first two deliveries, and the government allocates Rs. 3,000 per delivery to private hospitals and Rs. 1,500 per delivery to government hospitals for treatment. The range of covered deliveries includes Cesarean, complicated, normal, and forceps deliveries. 

    Key aspects related to Thayi Bhagya Scheme

    Benefits

    Amount (Rs.)

    Frequency

    Applies to

    Contribution by worker (Rs.)

    Time specified (days)

    Time taken (days)

    Fee specified (Rs.)

    Money spent (Rs.)

    Timeline for submission

    Thayi Bhagya Scheme  

    for two live births

    Women

    -

           

    What is the eligibility criteria for accessing benefits from the Thayi Bhagya scheme?

    Exclusions
    Pregnant women are not belongs to BPL Family are not allowed to apply to the scheme.

    What type of documents required for application?

    How to Apply


    Karnataka Department of Women and Child Development Portal.
    Karnataka Thayi Bhagya Scheme Guidelines.

    Why do domestic workers often fail to get benefits of Thayi Bhagya Scheme?

    On-ground Implementation issue:

    Policy design issue:

    Scheme 3: Bhagyalaxmi Scheme

    Bhagyalaxmi.jpg

    What is Bhagyalaxmi scheme for girl child?

    The Karnataka state government will give female children financial aid under the Karnataka Bhagya Lakshmi Scheme. The payment of this support is to be made through the mother, father, or legal guardian provided that all requirements are met. 

    What is the eligibility criteria for accessing benefits from the Bhagyalaxmi scheme?

    The Karnataka Bhagya Lakshmi Scheme, initiated by the state government, aims to provide financial assistance to female children. The disbursement of this assistance is to be facilitated through the mother, father, or legal guardian, subject to meeting specified criteria. The scheme is designed with objectives such as encouraging the birth of girl children in families below the poverty line, enhancing the societal status of the girl child, promoting the birth of girls in economically disadvantaged households, and elevating their standing within both the family and the broader community. The financial support is allocated to the girl child. 

    Key aspects related to Bhagyalaxmi scheme

    Benefits

    Amount (Rs.)

    Frequency

    Applies to

    Contribution by worker (Rs.)

    Time specified (days)

    Time taken (days)

    Fee specified (Rs.)

    Money spent (Rs.)

    Timeline for submission

    Bhagyalaxmi scheme

    Annual scholarship started from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1000


    Girl child

    -

            Within one year of birth

    The annual scholarship amount for Bhagya Laxmi Scheme is given in the table below:

    What type of documents required for application?

    What is the procedure to apply?

    Online

    To apply offline, the candidates may contact either of these:

    Why do domestic workers often fail to receive the bhagyalaxmi scheme?

    On-ground Implementation issue:

     

    Scheme 4: Sandhya Suraksha Yojana

    ss.png

    What is Sandhya Suraksha Yojana?

    The Karnataka state government has initiated the Sandhya Suraksha Yojana to provide financial assistance to senior citizens in the state. The Sandhya Suraksha Yojana Scheme offers monthly pensions to eligible senior citizens. Under the Sandhya Suraksha Yojana Scheme, the government will provide beneficiaries with medical facilities through non-governmental organizations. Eligible beneficiaries will receive a monthly pension of 400 rupees from the state government. Individuals using KSRTC for travel may also be eligible for discounted bus transportation. Additionally, the scheme includes Day Care Centers to support senior citizens in need.

    Key aspects related to Old age pension

    Benefits

    Amount (Rs.)

    Frequency

    Applies to

    Contribution by worker (Rs.)

    Time specified (days)

    Time taken (days)

    Fee specified (Rs.)

    Money spent (Rs.)

    Timeline for submission

    Sandhya Suraksha Yojana

    A monthly pension of 1,200

    Monthly

    Old age 

    -

             

    What is the eligibility criteria for accessing benefits from the Sandhya Suraksha Yojana?

    Applicants applying under this scheme are required to fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

    What type of documents required for application?

    The following documents need to be submitted during the registration for the scheme:

    1. Applicant's Income Certificate.
    2. Applicant's Aadhar card
    3. BPL ration card
    4. Birth Certificate or Identity Proof with the date of birth.
    5. Bank passbook and details of savings or deposits.
    6. Commercial certification, with the signature attested by the Tehsildar of the relevant taluka for business verification.

    How to Apply


    Why do domestic workers often fail to get benefits of Sandhya Suraksha Scheme?


    Whats the difference between Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension Scheme and Sandhya Suraksha Yojana?

     The Karnataka state-specific pension, known as Sandhya Suraksha, is applicable from the age of 65. However, there is no restriction concerning the presence of an 18+ male member in the family. This implies that even if there is an adult male aged 18 or older in the family, the elderly individuals in the family will still be eligible to receive the pension.




    Scheme 5: Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

    Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.jpg

    What is Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana scheme?

    The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PM-GKAY) is a component of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative aimed at distributing free food grains to migrants and impoverished individuals. Under this initiative, the government supplies 5kg of free food grains monthly to those in need, complementing the subsidized ration (priced at Rs 2-3 per kg) provided under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) to eligible families covered by the Public Distribution System (PDS). The quantity and type of food grains may vary.

    Key aspects related to Old age pension

    Benefits

    Entitlement

    Frequency

    Applies to

    Contribution by worker (Rs.)

    Time specified (days)

    Time taken (days)

    Fee specified (Rs.)

    Money spent (Rs.)

    Timeline for submission

    Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana

    Monthly supply of 5kg of free food grains Monthly Household

    -

             

    What are the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana scheme?

    Under the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), each family with a ration card receives 5 kg of food grains at no cost, in addition to the 5 kg of subsidized food grains already available through the Public Distribution System (PDS). Wheat has been distributed to six States/Union Territories, namely Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Gujarat, while rice has been allocated to the remaining States/Union Territories.

    What is the eligibility criteria for accessing benefits from the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana?

    What is the procedure to apply?

    Offline

    What type of documents required for application?

    Why do domestic workers often fail to receive the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana?

    On-ground implementation issue:

    Scheme 6: Ayushman Bharath-Arogya Karnataka/ Pradhana Manthri Jan Arogya Yojana

    arogya karanataka scheme.jpg

    What is Arogya Karnataka scheme?

    The aim of the initiative is to expand 'Universal Health Coverage' to encompass all residents in the state of Karnataka. Under this newly introduced scheme, a comprehensive range of healthcare benefits, including primary healthcare and specified secondary and tertiary healthcare services, will be provided. This scheme consolidates various existing health programs such as Vajpayee Arogyashree, Yeshaswini Scheme, Rajiv Arogya Bhagya Scheme, Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) including RSBY for senior citizens, Rashtriya Bala Swasthaya Karyakram (RBSK), Mukhyamantri Santwana Harish Scheme, Indira Suraksha Yojane, Cochlear Implant Scheme, and others. All these programs will be integrated into the new Arogya Karnataka Scheme.

    What is the eligibility criteria for accessing benefits from the Arogya Karnataka scheme?

    What are the documents required for application?

    What is the process of application?

    Why do domestic workers often fail to get benefits of Arogya Karnataka scheme?

    On ground implementation issue:

    Policy design

    Adhar Authentication issues

    Lack of trust and awareness among labourers

    Documentation