Writer : Urvi Mehta

Publisher : Mrunalii Jadhav

As the clock strikes 7 a.m., Mrs. Sharma’s phone bursts into life with a notification. Stunned by its content, she hops out of bed in alarm.

This isn’t a reminder about a delayed school bus or her impending office arrival. Instead,

the message simply states: “Main aaj nahi aaongi. ” This single phrase sends many Indian homes into a tailspin. Be it housemaids, bais, or domestic helpers, urban and semi-urban households rely heavily on these individuals.

What was once considered “menial work” is now essential to millions. The reliance on domestic assistance is clear, from working women to retirees to single men.

The surge in demand has led to a rise in companies providing on-demand maid services. With thorough vetting, flexible hiring arrangements, and affordable pricing, these offerings are incredibly beneficial in metropolitan areas where time is at a premium.

“In cities where every second matters, on-demand maid services are a godsend, particularly for working women,” shares Mrs. Sharma. They deliver various services, from meal preparation to caring for the elderly, benefiting both the employers and the domestic workers, who secure consistent income. Nevertheless, this expanding industry faces challenges.

A majority of domestic workers are part of the unorganised labor sector, where job stability is scarce, hours are extensive, and benefits like healthcare or paid time off are virtually non-existent.

This often leads to discontent and frustration among the workers who are the foundation of many households. Interestingly, a number of families are embracing advanced technology to lessen their reliance on human help. Automated vacuum cleaners, dishwashers, washing machines, and smart home devices are gradually taking over certain household tasks.

For those accustomed to technology, these innovations provide dependable and hassle-free alternatives when domestic assistance is unavailable. For now, instant maid services and smart home gadgets are both advancing—transforming the landscape of urban living in India.

The pivotal question remains: which option will prevail in the future?

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