Bal Kalyan Sangh organised a Policy Dialogue on the Jharkhand Private Placement Agencies and Domestic Workers (Regulation) Bill 2016 here on Wednesday. Originally drafted in 2016, the bill had not been passed due to the need for additional amendments, including stricter provisions. The dialogue featured the participation of Mamta Kumari, Member of the National Commission for Women, along with representatives from ATSEC Jharkhand, CSO partners, trafficking survivors, and the Department of Labour, Employment, Skill Development and Training of the Government of Jharkhand.

Shivani Priya, Programme Manager at Bal Kalyan Sangh, presented a brief overview of the bill, highlighting its significance and the impact it would have on the lives of 10 lakh women in the state.

During the discussion, it was announced that the bill would now be referred to as the Jharkhand Private Placement Agencies and Domestic Workers (Regulation) Bill 2025. Notably, the revised version of the bill includes a new provision for the health and well-being of workers, which was previously absent. Additional amendments emphasised the need to clearly define terms such as “replacement worker” and proposed an increase in penalties for offenders. The bill is set to provide greater empowerment and safety for women, aligning with other protective legislations such as the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act.

Pradeep Lakra, Joint Labour Commissioner, added, “The amendments made in the bill will ensure the overall well-being of domestic workers. The revised bill, now referred to as the 2025 version, will represent a more comprehensive and effective approach to their protection.”

Mamta Kumari, Member of the National Commission for Women, highlighted, “This bill has the power to stop unsafe migration and trafficking. It is a significant step toward safeguarding the rights and dignity of domestic workers, particularly women.”

Sanjay Mishra also emphasised the impact of the bill, stating, “This bill will support and ensure the safety of 10 lakh women and children in Jharkhand, as per the study conducted by various institutes. It has the power to create a safer and more regulated environment for domestic workers across the state.”

The proposed amendments aim to strengthen protections for domestic workers, ensuring a safer and more regulated working environment.