KHYBER Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to approve a bill and a policy for welfare of Home Based Workers (HBWs), which are ranked amongst the most exploited group of workers today. Given the fact that they constitute a major segment of labour deployment in informal sector of economy, their protection and welfare cannot be overlooked at all. The very decision of KP government is a welcome step and is also in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) that calls for provision of decent work environment.
Unfortunately, bulk of these workers mostly women live and work in ‘on the margin’ survival conditions. This sector is neither covered by labours laws nor is the definition of home-based workers part of any statute. In this scenario, most of the HBWS are exploited by their employers, contractors, and middlemen. They neither enjoy any job or social security nor are entitled to minimum wage or get regular salaries. Women home-based workers are in much worse shape than men because their mobility is different and they also have to look after their households as well. Thus the very legislation and policy being mulled over by the provincial government should comprehensively address all the issues faced by HBWs. Ideally, all workers must have social security cover and to ensure that nobody is left out, a survey should be carried out for their proper registration. The legislation must guarantee that every registered HBW is also entitled to medical and maternity benefits, compensations and marriage and death grants as are available to other industrial workers under the labour laws.
Indeed all this requires lot of funds. For this, employers of home-based workers should also be identified so that they can contribute their share. Furthermore, as it happens in other countries, the indirect taxes collected by government can be used to provide universal social protection to workers. Sindh government had already passed a comprehensive bill on HBWs and it will be better for KPK government to also study it to make its piece of legislation more effective. Once enacted, the provincial government must also ensure its implementation in letter and in spirit to bring a genuine change in the lives of HBWs.
