Answer:

Introduction:

The rise of nuclear families in urban areas has indeed amplified the reliance on domestic help, particularly in countries like India. This dependence, however, has not necessarily translated into fair treatment or comprehensive policy coverage for these workers, who are predominantly women and often migrants from rural or tribal areas​​.

Body:

The Condition of Domestic Workers

• Domestic workers in India, forming a significant part of the informal workforce, are especially vulnerable to exploitation due to the lack of work and social security. 
• The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated their situation, with many facing job loss, reduced wages, and unsafe working conditions. 
• A study conducted by SEWA in 2020 found that 82% of domestic workers were not paid during the lockdown, and 37% lost their work entirely​​. 
• Another study corroborated these findings, revealing that 80% of domestic workers faced moderate to severe economic crises, and only 20% had access to food rations​​.

Economic and Social Disparities

• Domestic workers are among the lowest-paid in the informal sector, despite the vast scale of the domestic work sector. 
• They often work in private homes, which are not legally defined as ‘workplaces’, thereby excluding them from major labour laws. 
• This situation results in underpayment and lack of recognition as legitimate workers. 
• Additionally, the nature of their work and their status as migrants often place them beyond the reach of trade unions and community-based organizations​​.

Policy and Legal Framework

• While there has been some progress in securing rights for domestic workers at the national level in India, including inclusion under various acts and the establishment of minimum wages in six states, the implementation remains fragmented. 
• Local complaints committees and welfare boards, crucial for enforcement, are often non-existent or ineffective​​. 
• The ILO’s Convention 189 offers a comprehensive blueprint for protecting domestic workers, covering areas like social security, working conditions, and protection from abuse. 
• Despite the introduction of private members’ bills in the Indian Parliament, these have yet to be fully implemented​​.

Role of Trade Unions and Advocacy

• Trade unions have been pivotal in advocating for domestic workers’ rights, helping to raise awareness and collectively bargaining for better conditions. 
• In states like Karnataka and Kerala, where domestic worker unions are active, there have been successes in implementing minimum wages and including unions in wage-setting processes​​. 
• Furthermore, organizations like SEWA are engaging with Residents Welfare Associations and employers to foster dialogue and awareness about the responsibilities towards domestic workers​​.

Conclusion:

The dependence on domestic help in urban nuclear families has not equated to fair treatment or comprehensive policy coverage for these workers. Despite some legal advancements and the efforts of trade unions and advocacy groups, the reality for many domestic workers in India remains one of economic hardship, social discrimination, and inadequate policy protection. There is a pressing need for a more robust legal framework, effective implementation of existing policies, and continued advocacy to ensure that the rights and dignity of domestic workers are upheld.