Gharelu Kamgar Yojana is a welfare initiative launched by the Maharashtra government’s Labour Department to support domestic workers across the state. This scheme provides financial assistance, skill development opportunities, and various benefits to registered domestic workers and their families, addressing the challenges faced by this largely unorganized sector.
What is Gharelu Kamgar Yojana
Gharelu Kamgar Yojana, also known as the welfare scheme for domestic workers in Maharashtra, aims to empower domestic workers by providing essential support and benefits. The scheme recognizes that domestic workers often earn minimal wages and struggle to meet their family needs, making government assistance crucial for their wellbeing. It covers male and female domestic workers who perform household tasks and ensures they receive social security benefits similar to workers in organized sectors.
Key Benefits Under the Scheme
Financial Assistance for Maternity
Female domestic workers registered under this scheme receive financial assistance for childbirth, generally up to two children. This maternity benefit helps support mothers during pregnancy and after delivery, ensuring better healthcare for both mother and child.
Educational Support for Children
The scheme provides financial aid for the education of domestic workers’ children, helping them access better learning opportunities. Through coordination with state welfare boards and educational institutions, children of registered workers can also get support for language and skill-based learning.
Medical Expense Coverage
Registered beneficiaries receive financial support for medical treatment expenses for themselves or their dependents. This provision helps domestic workers access healthcare without bearing the full financial burden of illness.
Academic Course Assistance
Open university and distance learning institutions offer diploma and degree courses for domestic workers and their children under this scheme. Financial assistance is provided for specific courses and preparatory programs, making higher education more accessible for low-income families.
Funeral Assistance
In case of the death of a registered domestic worker, their legal heir receives a fixed amount as funeral assistance. This immediate financial support helps families manage basic last rites expenses in difficult times.
Additional Welfare Provisions
Accident Relief Support
The scheme provides immediate financial assistance in case of accidents involving registered domestic workers. This acts as a safety net for workers who often face occupational risks in their daily work.
Honor Payment for Senior Workers
Registered domestic workers who complete a specified age (such as 55 years) are eligible for a one-time honor payment. This benefit acknowledges their years of service and offers some financial support as they move towards old age.
Skill Development Programs
The scheme includes skill development and vocational training programs conducted through government training agencies. These programs help domestic workers and their children gain employable skills and improve their chances of better-paying jobs in the future.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from Gharelu Kamgar Yojana, the applicant must:
- Be a domestic worker employed in Maharashtra
- Perform household work such as cleaning, cooking, washing, childcare, etc.
- Register with the designated Domestic Workers Welfare Board or Labour Welfare authority
- Fulfill any age, income, and work-duration conditions notified by the state government
Only registered domestic workers can claim benefits under the scheme.
How to Register
Registration for Gharelu Kamgar Yojana is generally done through the official portal of the Maharashtra Labour Department or the Domestic Workers Welfare Board. The basic steps are:
- Visit the official labour/welfare portal for Maharashtra.
- Create a login or approach the nearest labour office or help center.
- Fill the domestic worker registration form with personal details, address, and employment information.
- Upload or submit required documents such as identity proof, residence proof, photographs, and employer details if needed.
- Submit the form and keep the registration number or card safely for future use.
After approval, the worker becomes eligible to apply for various benefits under the scheme.
Documents Required (Typical List)
The exact list may vary, but commonly required documents include:
- Aadhaar card or any government ID
- Passport-size photographs
- Proof of residence in Maharashtra
- Proof of age and date of birth
- Self-declaration or employer certificate as a domestic worker
- Bank account details for receiving benefits
Why Gharelu Kamgar Yojana is Important
Domestic workers play a crucial role in urban and rural households but often remain invisible in policy and protection frameworks. Gharelu Kamgar Yojana helps:
- Provide social security and dignity to domestic workers
- Support their children’s education and skill development
- Reduce the financial shock of health issues, accidents, and death
- Encourage formal registration of domestic workers for better policy planning
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