Salary Compensation to Housewives

Salary Compensation to Housewives

This refers to a recent speech or proposal by a Central Minister suggesting to make it a law to ensure salary compensation be paid to Housewives.

Here are my views on this subject, reader can free to feel to respond:

Friends

It's no cynical or hypocratic to comment on this, we all are better-knowledgeable and the present generation who are born after (1960s or 70s) largely manage their financials well enough to protect their better-half for the present and for the future (considering post-retirement scenario). 

However, I would like to start this debate - free for all - to share your respective views on the subject of proposal that the Indian Govt. is proposing a new law to ensure housewives are given salary for their share of contribution to the household...................

This is nothing to critic or rule out or invalidate their level of contribution to every household in India.  Everywhere in the world, ladies by and large give their blood to ensure a smooth running of the household, maintenance, cooking for all, and the guests at times, hospitality, education, etc etc.  In fact, their contribution cannot be ridiculed by fixing a definite amount as a fixed salary per month, I would say it's an insult to say so.   I am not perturbed to say this, at the worst of being called 'male chauvinist' here.  

For the sake of debate, if one is shelling salary for housewives, then, the govt. would slowly slowly ask that amount to be included in their income, and force them later to submit Incometax return and include this in their ITR. 

Ideally a common middle class single-earning husband or head of the family normally tend to compensate the services of the housewife :

a) in the form of jewellery, silver or equivalent liquid assets (of course, this  is subject to mortgage at time of need)

b) in the form of 50% share in real estate investment (if he goes for joint-ownership, of course, more and more owners name added, the pro-rata share comes down accordingly)

c) in the form of nomination to investments, shares, fixed deposits etc.etc. 

d) in the form of LIC insurance or any such equivalent long term benefits

e) in the form of clothing and related other shopping prerogatives , which normally a common kartha of family has literally NO say in their choices; family budget and husband's generosity at the time of need only determines the quantum of purchase and the financial outlay here. 

Respecting and compensating the wives for their contribution to the family and fixing the value or financial equivalent SHALL be the discretion of the head of the family; no govt. interference to personal life can be entertained, that's what I am coming to say. Why such intrusion in the first place? 

If salary is fixed, it comes under the 'net' of Consumer Services Act, then, when there is a dis-satisfactory service occurring and when dispute arises, will the govt. be ok for the wife to be fired.............from services ?  In Indian context, you cannot do so; 

If one may argue that it is intended for lower strata of society (BPL segment of people), and not the middle class, will the govt. openly admit that so while doing an enactment?  For, such laws ideally in principle would apply to all segment of the society.   Admission to schools, colleges, promotion opportunities during career alleviation, then, Govt. would clearly come out with a certain specific segment of the society with a pro-poor or addressing less-privileged image.  

Etho, ennal aanathai koluthi pottuten, think over, and share your thoughts. 

Cheers, Siva

p.s.:  Siva's style usual disclaimer:  I am a person with an individual attitude to respect women to the core........................however, reading this in today's papers rekindled my thoughts to share above thoughts, in a larger public interest and/or common good in mind.  (typical Thuglak Editor CHO style!!).