Along with the rest of the world, Nagaland observed International Workers Day on Saturday, at ASSISI auditorium in Dimapur under the theme “Uniting for domestic workers rights”.
The program was organized by National Domestic Workers Movement (NDWM), Nagaland region in collaboration with Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA).
Speaking at the program as the speaker, Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) & DDLSA Dimapur secretary, Ajongba Imchen stated that the day and the program was important as far as the DDLSA was concerned and especially for domestic workers to learn about their rights and duties.
Highlighting the importance of the DDLSA for domestic workers, Imchen maintained that in his one and half year as CJM, he found that no case or report has been filed by domestic workers in Dimapur although DDLSA was ready to hear their grievances and protect their rights. He lamented that the state government still had not registered Nagaland Domestic Workers Union as a trade union.
“The constitution of India talks about equal rights whereas domestic workers are not given their right’s which seems to be unfortunate”, he said.
Imchen said that though people constantly talk about corruption, we fail to realize that depriving the rights of domestic workers was also a form of corruption.
He also spoke about the importance of domestic workers and their contributions towards the economy. He assured the gathering that the DDLSA would leave no stone unturned in their fight for domestic workers’ rights and protection.
Speaking about child trafficking in Dimapur, he said that these children mostly belong to domestic workers and he urged women domestic workers to be mindful of this fact.
Imchen also called upon domestic workers to continue working sincerely and honestly.
At the program, a speech was also delivered by reverend Sr. Mary CJ and various cultural items were also presented.
Earlier, the program was chaired by Avono and later vote of thanks was delivered by Maya Sabu.