Domestic workers often play a vital role in household maintenance but are frequently under-compensated for their hard work. Despite their jobs’ demanding nature, many receive wages that do not reflect their true value. A Delhi man’s recent revelation about secretly paying his maid Rs 20,000 a month has deeply touched many netizens.
Man Shocked by Maid’s Low Wages in Delhi
A Delhi resident was astonished after discovering that his family was underpaying their maid. On Reddit, user Alternative-Ad4581 recounted his shock upon learning that their maid was earning only Rs 7,000 per month despite working long hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. without any days off. His mother justified the low wage by saying it was standard for their area.
Determined to understand the situation better, he inquired with neighbors, friends, and family about their domestic worker wages. He was disheartened to find that many were paying similar amounts, raising concerns about how these workers managed to support themselves on such meager incomes.
A Reckoning with Minimum Wage and Poverty Line in Delhi
After discussing the issue with his mother, the man realized that the wage was not only unjust but also below the legal standards in Delhi. The minimum wage in Delhi is Rs 18,000, while the poverty line is Rs 12,000—significantly higher than what the maid was receiving.
In response to this disparity, he decided to secretly supplement his maid’s income by Rs 20,000 each month, in addition to her regular pay. This gesture greatly improved her family’s quality of life, providing them with better living conditions and essential necessities.
The unacceptable salary of maids in India : r/india (reddit.com)
The unacceptable salary of maids in India
byu/Alternative-Ad4581 inindia
A Call for Fair Compensation
The Reddit post concluded with a passionate plea for change. The man expressed frustration over the widespread underpayment of domestic workers and underscored the need to fairly value their contributions. He highlighted that no one should work full-time and earn less than the minimum wage, urging others to reconsider how they compensate those providing crucial services in their homes.
The post has garnered over 6,500 upvotes and more than 1,000 comments. Many netizens have shared their opinions in the comments section, reflecting on the importance of fair wages for domestic workers.
What are your thoughts? Is paying this amount a fair minimum, or do you think it’s excessive? Share your views in the comments below.
