Household aids are allowed in your home. And their RWAs can’t stop them. Here is why

The impression has been created that the RWAs will be the final authority to decide whether these service providers can cross the gate of the colony / society. (Express file photo)

Since the Union government announced considerable closure relaxations in all areas starting today (May 4), a persistent question has been raised for city people if your domestic help and car cleaners will be allowed.

Despite media reports suggesting Center approval, the impression has been created that the RWAs will be the final authority in deciding whether these service providers can cross the gate of the colony / society.

Has the Center or state governments given such powers to APRs? Can domestic workers freely come to your home now? We will answer these questions here.

Has Center allowed domestic help and car cleaning services?

Yes. If containment areas where any public movement is strictly prohibited, except in emergencies, are strictly prohibited, the services of self-employed persons providing services such as domestic help, car cleaning, sanitation, electrical work are permitted , plumbing, carpentry, etc.

So even in big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and the like, which are located in the Red Zones, domestic help and car cleaners are allowed.

Does the Center’s guidelines specifically mention this?

It must be reiterated that the guidelines of the Center must be read for what is prohibited. Everything that is not prohibited is allowed. Even the language of the guidelines is of that nature. They repeatedly say that this or that activity is prohibited, and everything else is allowed.

National guidelines issued by the Ministry of the Interior (MHA) have made it clear that there would be free movement of people in all areas, except the containment areas, between 7 am and 7 pm. However, public transportation for this movement would not be used in the Red and Orange Zones.

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Remember, in many cities and neighborhoods, domestic workers were unable to come earlier because there was a ban on public movement.

However, states can still issue orders to restrict public movement and not allow service providers to come. They have the power to ignore the relaxations suggested by the Center under the Disaster Management Act.

So what role has been specified for RWAs in this matter?

None. The Center’s guidelines do not even have the word “RWAs” anywhere in the entire document.

“It is not up to the RWAs to decide the contours of the blockade. That power only rests with the Center and the states. The MHA has not given any power to the RWA to decide on the matter. The Center has no problems with the services of domestic workers or any other service provider, “said an Interior Ministry official.

The states don’t seem to have a problem, either.

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A Delhi government statement on state specific guidelines said: “Services provided by self-employed people (eg electrician, plumber, elevator technician, A / C mechanic, vehicle mechanic, generator mechanic, TV Mechanic, Cable TV / Cable TV / CCTV) Mechanic, Computer and Internet Service Provider, Opticians, Private Security Guards / Supervisors, CNG Pipeline / Gas Pipeline Technicians, Sanitation Workers, Domestic / Maid Aid, laundry / press-wala etc.) are allowed, except for barbers etc. as mentioned above. “

RWAs are also not mentioned in all the guidelines issued by the Delhi government, although it has been specifically mentioned that domestic help services will be allowed.

So how did this impression come about that RWAs have a role?

It was due to misinformation by an Interior Ministry official on Friday. It was this official who also created confusion over whether liquor stores would open in the Red Zones.

This official said that the RWAs will decide whether national aid can resume services and that liquor stores would not open in the Red Zones. This was quickly reported by a large part of the media.

However, both statements proved to be a misinterpretation of the guidelines. Senior officials involved in drafting the latest guidelines have now clarified that this was not the case.

It is also evident from the long lines in Delhi, a red light district, outside of today’s liquor stores.

So can’t RWAs stop their domestic help from coming?

No, not with any legal sanctity. But if they want, they can, just as they get a call about various activities that will or will not be allowed in a housing partnership.

The articles of association provide the power to RWAs and cooperative housing societies to decide how their residential groups should be organized and regulated.

That is why certain societies allow dogs, and some do not. Some allow them to use the elevators, others do not. Some allow the car of their relative or friend or guest, others do not.

In practical terms, the issue of domestic help should be resolved among residents and officials of society taking into account the safety and comfort of all.

And if your society allows its services, don’t forget to take all the precautions suggested by the government to guarantee their safety and yours.

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