usatoday | But Richard's lawyer said Thursday that the housekeeper worked from
morning until late at night, seven days week, for less than $3 an hour.
Unable to get better pay, she made sure Khobragade's two children were
cared for one day and walked out, lawyer Dana Sussman said.
Protests
erupted in cities around India, where demonstrators burnt effigies of
President Obama. The Indian government has since downgraded certain
privileges granted to American diplomatic staff in New Delhi like
withdrawing all airport passes and stopping import clearance of liquor
to the US Embassy.
The Indian government snubbed a visiting
American delegation refusing requests for a meeting till Ms. Khobragade
was tendered an apology. Indian media has mainly focused on the
humiliation of Khobragade.
"What's unsettling about this case is
how little we know about Richard's side of the story," said Deepanjana
Pal on the news website Firstpost. "While there are endless articles
available on Khobdagade and how terribly she's been treated by U.S.
officials, there's almost nothing on Richard."
Or for that matter
there has been little said by the politicians going after the U.S.
attorney about how maids are treated in India.
In large cities
like New Delhi and Mumbai, most middle class families employ a maid or
two, many have separate drivers, gardeners, and cooks. According to a
report by the Indian government, nearly 5 million people employ at least
two domestic workers.
Yet, except in the states of Tamil Nadu and
Kerala, domestic workers are not offered any legal protection. Seven
Indian states have made efforts to standardize minimum wage but the
recommended wage has been set low.
Also, there are no guidelines
that govern working hours, or minimum wage, and no authority to turn to
in cases of exploitation, say the workers.
"At the most I would
complain to the local Resident Welfare Association if I had a problem –
but even then I would be scared – chances are that they will side with
my employers rather than me," said Manju Bahri.
