Srinagar, Jan 17, ANB: The growing reliance on private human resource agencies for domestic helpers in Srinagar has raised serious concerns following repeated incidents of theft and other crimes involving non-local maids. These agencies, which supply domestic helpers, maids, and babysitters to Kashmiri families under formal agreements, must be now under scrutiny for their operational practices and the safety risks posed to households.
In the latest incident, Srinagar Police successfully solved a burglary case involving a non-local maid accused of theft in Umerabad, Srinagar. Acting promptly on the complaint, the police arrested the suspect and recovered stolen jewellery worth lakhs of rupees from her possession.
In recent years, the demand for domestic helpers has surged in Srinagar, driven by changing lifestyles and increasing household responsibilities. To meet this demand, hundreds of private placement agencies have sprung up across the Valley. These agencies enter into formal agreements with families, outlining terms that include bearing the general expenses of maids, including health costs.
While these agreements aim to provide a structured and transparent process, the lack of stringent regulations has led to lapses in accountability. Many agencies fail to conduct comprehensive background checks or provide sufficient details about the helpers they recruit, leaving families vulnerable to risks.
The burglary case is not an isolated incident. Srinagar has witnessed several cases in recent years involving domestic helpers accused of theft, fraud, and even violent crimes. These incidents have prompted calls for stricter monitoring of private placement agencies and better verification processes for domestic workers.
Experts and activists have emphasized the urgent need for a regulatory framework to oversee the functioning of private placement agencies in Kashmir. “These agencies operate in a largely unregulated environment, which creates room for exploitation and criminal activities,” said Dr. Shabir Ahmad, a sociologist talking with the Associated News Bureau. “The government must introduce guidelines to ensure accountability and protect both families and domestic helpers.”
Proposed measures include mandatory registration of agencies, detailed documentation of employed workers, and regular audits by relevant authorities. Public awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in educating families about verifying the credentials of domestic helpers before employing them.
The public reaction to these incidents has been one of growing apprehension. Many families are reconsidering their reliance on private agencies, with some opting for personal referrals instead. “We need domestic help, but the lack of trust in these agencies is a big concern,” said Shahina, a Srinagar resident.
“The government must step in to regulate this sector and restore confidence.”
The swift resolution of Umerabad, Srinagar burglary case by Srinagar Police is commendable, but it underscores the broader issue of safety and trust in employing domestic helpers. The growing industry of private placement agencies in Kashmir requires urgent oversight to prevent such incidents and ensure the well-being of families and workers alike. Stricter regulations, coupled with public awareness, can create a safer environment for all stakeholders involved. (ANB)
