AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal made a significant announcement on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, aimed at addressing the longstanding challenges faced by Delhi’s Dhobi community. Kejriwal pledged to establish a dedicated Dhobi Samuday Welfare Board if the AAP government is re-elected, underscoring the party’s commitment to social justice and empowerment. Highlighting the community’s vital contributions to Delhi’s economy and the systemic challenges they face, Kejriwal announced a series of “7 Guarantees” to uplift their livelihoods, improve access to basic services, and enhance their socio-economic welfare. These guarantees include regularizing ironing stands, resuming the stalled licensing process for Dhobis, charging domestic rates for electricity and water, providing quality education, scholarships, and skill training for their children, and creating welfare schemes for elderly Dhobis.
Representatives from the Delhi Dhobi Mahasabha met with Kejriwal to express their gratitude, stating that these measures would transform the lives of thousands of Dhobis across the city while pledging their support to AAP. Speaking at the party headquarters, Kejriwal said, “The Dhobi community has long faced numerous challenges without a unified platform to address their issues. If our government is formed, we will establish the Dhobi Samuday Welfare Board to act as a single platform where community members can present their concerns and suggestions. The board will help formulate policies to improve their profession and overall quality of life.”
He announced that ironing stands in various colonies, many of which remain unregularized, would be legalized to prevent harassment from authorities. Additionally, the halted licensing process for Dhobis would be resumed. Kejriwal further highlighted the financial struggles of Dhobis, who earn minimal income while covering household expenses, children’s education, and medical costs. He criticized the current practice of charging commercial rates for electricity and water, stating, “It is unfair that Dhobis, who already earn so little, are charged the same rates as large malls and shops. We will ensure that electricity and water for Dhobi-related work will be charged at domestic rates.”
He also pledged welfare schemes for elderly Dhobis, with the Dhobi Samuday Welfare Board overseeing their implementation. “Scholarships and quality education will be arranged for Dhobi children, and skill training will be provided to help the youth improve their livelihoods. The community will also be regularly informed about Delhi Government schemes to ensure they benefit from them,” he added. Ravi Kumar, President of the Delhi Dhobi Mahasabha, welcomed the announcement, stating, “The Dhobi community has long struggled with lack of attention from government departments and numerous obstacles in accessing basic services. The establishment of a welfare board will provide us with a single-window system to access government policies and address our issues. On behalf of the entire Dhobi community, I thank Arvind Kejriwal for this much-needed initiative.”
