In a recent post that has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter), realtor Gaurav Gupta criticized the stark wage disparity for domestic workers in Gurgaon, a city known for its luxury high-rise buildings and sky-high rents. Gupta’s comments have sparked a debate about the low wages paid to domestic helpers in a city filled with towering structures and expensive lifestyles.
Gupta drew attention to the meager salaries received by house helps in Gurgaon’s posh neighborhoods. In his post, he shared the rates that are being “fixed” for domestic workers’ duties, including cleaning utensils, sweeping, and mopping. According to a document shared by Gupta, house helps are paid just Rs 1000 a month for cleaning utensils twice a day, and a mere Rs 500 for performing the same task once a day. The document also revealed other fixed wages, such as Rs 1000 per month for sweeping and mopping a 3BHK flat, and Rs 800 for a 2BHK. Toilet cleaning rates were pegged at Rs 800 per month, while cooking for 2-3 people would cost Rs 3000 for all meals of the day.
In a city of high rises, our humanity keeps sinking lower. A society collectively fixes house helps rates, a mere Rs 1,000 a month to clean utensils twice a day! Accept or be debarred! We preach fairness, but as soon as people get power, we use it to exploit anyone we can! pic.twitter.com/fHg6InIFQR
— Gaurav Gupta | Realtor (@YourRealAsset) November 8, 2024
Gupta highlighted the glaring contrast between the luxury lifestyles enjoyed by the residents of these high-rise buildings and the low pay handed to those who make their lives comfortable. He condemned this exploitative situation, writing, “In a city of high rises, our humanity keeps sinking lower. A society collectively fixes house helps’ rates, a mere Rs 1,000 a month to clean utensils twice a day.”
Gupta further emphasized the power imbalance between employers and domestic workers. He noted that workers are forced to accept these low wages, as declining such offers would result in losing their jobs. “Accept or be debarred! We preach fairness, but as soon as people get power, we use it to exploit anyone we can!” Gupta expressed in his post, shedding light on the desperation that many workers face when dealing with these low-paying jobs.
The post has generated a significant amount of attention, with many people agreeing that this disparity reflects a larger issue of exploitation and power dynamics in society. Gupta’s comments resonate with many who feel that Gurgaon’s wealthy class is turning a blind eye to the plight of domestic workers, treating them as mere commodities rather than valued members of the workforce.
Gupta’s post has sparked discussions around fair wages for domestic workers in Gurgaon and other metropolitan cities. While the cost of living in high-end areas continues to rise, the wages of those working to keep these luxurious homes running remain stagnant and insufficient. The conversation is shifting towards finding solutions to better compensate domestic workers, who often face harsh working conditions, long hours, and lack of proper rights and protections.
As the debate grows, many are calling for more awareness and a greater focus on the humanity of workers, urging people to reconsider the way they treat and compensate domestic helpers. The hope is that by shining a light on this issue, positive changes can be made to improve the lives of those who are often overlooked in society.
