Covid-19 lockdown: Domestic workers allowed now, yet RWAs and residents lock horns

The government orders allowing domestic helps back into societies has fuelled tensions between apartment associations and residents in Delhi-NCR.

Even with government’s approval on allowing a certain number of domestic workers back into Delhi-NCR societies, the debate continues whether to let them rejoin work or no. And though some residents, out of dire need of help in household chores, are desperately wanting to have house helps back, some RWAs are just not giving a nod.

The fear of coronavirus has left RWAs and residents in a dilemma as to whether they should allow house helps or no. (Photo: Vidya Subramanian/HT (For representational purpose only))

Under directions issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the RWAs have been asked to take a call on whether domestic helpers would be allowed in their localities, following the recent relaxation incorporated during lockdown 3.0.

Tensions have also surfaced between residents who are on the opposite ends of the matter to whether allow the workers inside the societies, or no. Take for instance, a resident of Delhi’s Safdarjung Enclave informs that his RWA is still deliberating on whether domestic workers should be allowed into the area, or not. On condition of anonymity, he adds, “There are people who do not want to allow domestic helps back into the society at present, but there has been a constant debate on whether an exception can be made for the senior citizens, who need help the most.’’

If the RWAs have strong arguments for denying entry to domestic helps, then the residents, especially those living in apartment complexes, have their own concerns. Payal Singh, who lives in a gated society in Delhi’s Janakpuri, says that the absence of domestic help has made it hard for her to juggle work and care for her aged parents. “My office requires me to work long hours during the day. I’m managing food and household chores but it’s getting exhausting now. I understand the safety concerns, but to do so in spite of the government orders allowing for domestic help is unfair!’’

In Gurugram’s DLF Hamilton Court, part-time workers have been allowed since the lockdown was eased on May 4. Isha Bhandari, culture secretary of the RWA, says ‘’Many senior citizens and younger residents who require assistance have opted to call domestic helps... but there are concerns within a section of residents around how we can ensure the well being of others. The RWA has set up an internal committee of residents to address all the concerns that are being raised in this matter.’’