Do All Indians Have at Least One Domestic Help Working for Them?
Not necessarily. Many households in India manage without the employment of a maid, and I am one among them. With a maid coming, we need to be careful with our valuables, especially cash. Additionally, we have to schedule our programs based on their working time. Given the availability of numerous helpful gadgets, it is not tedious to do household chores, which is why I have opted not to have a maid until I can manage.
Income and Domestic Help
The need for domestic help in India largely depends on your income. If you have extra money, you may hire one even if you don’t necessarily need it, as it is also linked with status. However, if you are strapped for funds but need help due to illness or temporary disability, you might call upon relatives or neighbors for assistance in household duties. For those who live a luxurious lifestyle, the need for numerous domestic helps would be quite common.
Reasons for Hiring Maids in India
There are several reasons why people hire maids in India. One of the primary reasons is that both husband and wife work, leaving no time for housework, cooking, and cleaning. In most cases, the husband doesn't help, making it incredibly difficult for women, especially those with children, to manage everything on their own. These kinds of people usually hire maids on a monthly basis.
Another reason is the desire to show off wealth. Some people hire young children from villages, aged around 10-12 years. They offer food and shelter in exchange for labor and, once a year, pay money to their parents. These young helpers are made to perform all household tasks, including school bag handling and even accompanying the owners on outings.
Old people or those with health issues absolutely need help in doing their chores. Similarly, if they have a big house, taking care of it by one person is nearly impossible. As a result, they hire maids to clean once a fortnight or whenever needed, especially for events like marriages.
Some women hire maids simply to relax, pamper themselves, or engage in other activities such as tailoring or crafting. While in the USA, we cannot afford to hire a mother’s helper or a nanny due to the high cost, life in India is more comfortable, thus making domestic help more prevalent.
Though the concept of domestic help is deeply ingrained in Indian households, it is not a universal practice. While some may benefit greatly from live-in assistance, others prefer to manage without it, either due to financial constraints or personal choice. It is a highly individual and economic decision that greatly depends on the needs and circumstances of each household.
Understanding the reasons behind the need for domestic help in India is crucial for those looking to navigate the realm of household management in this country. Whether you choose to have a maid or not, the key lies in what best suits your lifestyle, income, and personal preferences.