Delhi government makes registration mandatory for private placement firms

NEW DELHI: With a view to streamlining the functioning of private placement agencies, Delhi government has issued orders for their mandatory registration failing which they would attract a fine of Rs 50,000.

All private placement agencies providing domestic workers in the city have to mandatorily register themselves on the website of the Labour Department under the Delhi Shops and Establishments Act, 1954, and have to also obtain a licence from the Deputy Labour Commissioner, District Office, concerned in the prescribed format.

"In case private placement agencies are found to supply domestic workers without any registration or licence or found to violate the executive order, they shall be liable for a fine of Rs 50,000 and their licences will also be cancelled," said a Delhi government official.

The Delhi Labour Department issued an "executive order" in the above regard dated September 25 following approval by Delhi Lt Governor Najeeb Jung.

Also, the Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) and Child Welfare Committee (CWC) will have powers to examine and check for any cases of exploitation of domestic workers by the placement agencies.

The decision is aimed at reining in unscrupulous placement agencies and putting in place a mechanism which harassed maids may use to lodge complaints.