Abstract

Despite India’s high GDP growth over the last several decades, which has largely benefited urban populations, the majority of jobs generated remain within the unorganized sector. Today, more than 86% of the workforce operates in this sector, and their contribution to national growth is undeniable, particularly through the essential role of domestic work [1]. Yet, millions of women, men, and children who comprise this labor force—often derogatorily termed ‘servants’—remain unseen, undervalued, and stripped of the fundamental rights all workers deserve [2]. While the government has proposed various measures, the human rights of these workers continue to be violated behind closed doors. Ultimately, the core issue remains a profound lack of empathy and basic respect from employers, characterized by an outright denial of the domestic workers' humanity and their right to basic creature comforts.

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