Section 644: Special provisions relating to domestic helpers

1) If a person employs another person as a domestic helper, the employer shall also comply with the following terms and conditions, in relation to the domestic helper:

(a) To determine the wages on a monthly or annual basis and pay the wages,

(b) To provide meals three times, viz., in the morning, afternoon, and evening, and clothes suitable to the weather, according to the capacity of the employer,

(c) To provide facilities for using appropriate housing, toilet, and bathroom facilities according to the capacity of the employer,

(d) In the case of a domestic helper below eighteen years of age, to make provision for his or her study at an appropriate time, having regard to household work if he or she so wishes,

(e) To arrange for his or her treatment if the domestic helper falls sick,

Provided that the expenses incurred in his or her treatment may not be deducted from his or her monthly or yearly wages.

(f) Not to employ him or her in work while he or she is sick, and, in other situations, not to employ him or her in such work that he or she may not be able to do due to the age, ability, or condition of him or her,

(g) If he or she dies, to bear the expenses incurred in the performance of his or her funeral and obsequies rites in a normal way,

(h) Not to commit any inhumane or degrading treatment or domestic violence,

(i) To comply with the other terms and conditions agreed upon between the employer and the domestic helper.

2) The expenses incurred under clauses (b), (c), and (d) of sub-section (1) may not be deducted from the monthly or yearly wages of the domestic helper.

3) If a person employs another person as a domestic helper, that person shall give written information thereof to the concerned ward committee of the concerned Local Level within one month after the date of such an employment.