Aizawl, May 10: More than 5,000 domestic workers, locally known as “awmpui”, are currently employed in households across Aizawl city, with the majority reportedly coming from rural areas, according to discussions held during a recent programme on social security for domestic workers.
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The discussion, titled “Social Security Scheme for Domestic Workers”, was organised by the Centre for Development Initiatives (CDI), where participants highlighted the growing demand for domestic workers in Mizoram and the challenges faced by workers in the sector.
Speakers at the programme noted that in earlier years, most domestic workers in Mizoram came from Myanmar and neighbouring eastern regions, many of whom had lived in the state for several years and raised families there. However, participants observed that it has become increasingly difficult to retain long-term domestic workers in recent years.
CDI field animator Zodinpuii stated that although isolated cases of mistreatment exist, severe abuse of domestic workers is comparatively less common in Mizoram than in many other regions. She, however, pointed out that social stigma attached to domestic work discourages many educated or financially stable individuals from taking up such jobs.
She added that most domestic workers currently employed in Aizawl are from rural and economically weaker communities. According to Zodinpuii, studies conducted since 2005 revealed that many women facing abuse and social hardships had previously worked as domestic workers.
To support workers, CDI has organised domestic workers in Aizawl into 17 different groups to educate them about their rights and welfare schemes, while similar initiatives are now being expanded to Champhai district.
LESDE Secretary Dr. Lalhriatzuali Ralte stressed the need for legal protection and labour rights for domestic workers, saying they are often neglected and lack proper safeguards. She also stated that a revised minimum wage structure for domestic workers is expected to be introduced soon.
Meanwhile, the Mizoram Youth Commission (MYC) has launched a “Maid Connect” initiative to help connect employers with domestic workers through a more organised process. As of April 24, 2026, a total of 59 women had registered under the initiative, with seven already placed in jobs after formal agreements with employers.
Officials from the Women & Child Development Department also highlighted support services available for women in distress, including the “Shakti Sadan” shelter home and the Women Helpline 181, which remains accessible at all times for women facing abuse or hardship.
The report further noted that domestic workers in Mizoram generally fall into two categories — live-in workers and part-time workers. Live-in domestic workers reportedly earn between Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 8,000 per month, while part-time workers receive around Rs. 250 to Rs. 500 per day.
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Several residents who spoke to Zalen emphasised the need for humane treatment and proper legal contracts for domestic workers. Some expressed concerns over the growing dependence on agents for recruitment and the absence of clear legal frameworks governing domestic employment in the state.
Residents also called for formal agreements between employers and workers to prevent sudden disputes or abandonment, pointing out that many developed countries already have stronger labour protections and contractual systems for domestic workers.
