The Impact of Elections on Domestic Workers in Urban India
In Harijan Basti, Noida, many homes are now experiencing locked doors, signaling a change in the daily hustle of cooks and cleaners. The reason behind this shift? Numerous workers have temporarily left for 'Kal-katta' to participate in voting, taking unpaid leave from their jobs that could last up to a month. Consequently, urban households across Noida, Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are realizing their reliance on a workforce that frequently migrates between states. Currently, this workforce is on the move.
Estimates suggest that a considerable number of domestic workers in metropolitan areas hail from states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand. For many, participating in elections transcends civic responsibility; it serves as a strategic economic decision. Some workers cite welfare initiatives introduced by 'Mamata didi', such as the Lakshmir Bhandar program, which provides financial aid to women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, as a significant motivator. The ₹1200 assistance is often enough to prompt a return home, even at the risk of job loss and the need to find replacements.
The effects of this situation are widespread. A viral video from a Mumbai resident discussing her maid's abrupt departure resonated with many, as comments flooded in from individuals in various cities facing similar challenges. Urban households, accustomed to strict schedules, are now balancing work calls with household chores and deadlines with daily responsibilities.
In homes where both partners work full-time, the lack of domestic help is more than just an inconvenience; it disrupts entire routines. Tasks like preparing school lunches, caring for the elderly, and even cooking basic meals suddenly become daunting, highlighting our dependence on domestic workers.
Many who struggle to find replacements are turning to app-based services like Snabbit and Meehelp, hoping to fill the void. However, the reliability of these services remains questionable. One resident remarked, “Finding someone reliable on these apps is a matter of luck. Plus, there's this added anxiety; you can't fully trust anyone.” The surge in demand is also putting pressure on India's domestic help platforms, raising doubts about whether technology can genuinely formalize a sector that relies heavily on trust and continuity.
Yet, beneath the surface of this inconvenience lies a more intricate narrative. The migration of women from eastern India to metropolitan areas has historically supported urban households, with generations of women seeking domestic work. However, due to ongoing conflicts, many domestic workers are finding urban life increasingly challenging to maintain. The black market for LPG, which many depend on, along with ongoing negotiations regarding space, costs, and dignity, is prompting them to reevaluate their choices. Savita Haldar, a cook and cleaner, shared, “Since the LPG prices have surged in the black market, we’ve resorted to cooking with wood. But landlords don’t permit that here. Gas is too costly. So where do we go?”
Another worker who travels home during elections stated, “For you, it’s just work, but for us, it’s our life.” For some, returning home where living costs are lower and benefits are more accessible seems like a wise decision. What urban India perceives as a ‘baai crisis’ is, in reality, a subtle shift in power dynamics. It reveals the informal systems that sustain urban life and how quickly they can falter when those at the margins choose, or are finally able, to step back. Sometimes, elections do more than change governments; they unveil who truly operates the daily machinery of urban existence.