Bengaluru expat pays househelp Rs 45,000 salary, sparks debate: ‘People think I’m crazy but…’

Yulia Aslamova said she hired the househelp after interviewing 20 candidates. (Image credit: @yulia_bangalore/Instagram)

A Russian expat living in Bengaluru has triggered a heated social media debate after revealing she pays her househelp Rs 45,000 a month — a figure some users claim exceeds entry-level salaries at major IT firms in India.

Yulia Aslamova, who shared her views in a viral Instagram reel, said her approach to hiring domestic help is rooted in professional respect and long-term growth. “My biggest pride and honor in life is that there hasn’t been a single person who resigned from me until I let them go,” she wrote. “I push people for growth and build relationships for years.”

Aslamova detailed her process: after interviewing 20 candidates for a nanny role, she prioritised safety and mindset over cost. Initially hiring part-time, she gave a 10 percent hike after the first year, introduced KPIs (key performance indicators) in the second, and eventually offered a full-time role with a 1.7x hike and training. “Now the nanny is getting her driving license and will soon drive Elina to classes,” she said. “If you go with me, I will take care of you.”

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A post shared by Iuliia Aslamova (@yulia_bangalore)

In a separate post, Aslamova added, "I believe in hiring smart, hardworking, loyal, and awesome people. Money comes and goes, but the person who truly cares about my family becomes my extended family." Calling her househelp "our amazing Marie Poppins", she added that the house "takes care of us and we take care of her".

Responding to a comment comparing the salary to tech fresher pay at TCS, Infosys, and Accenture, Aslamova wrote: “Our nanny is not a fresher. She has grown in two years to 1.7x because of her hard work and dedication. Love, care, and smartness.” She added that her own first salary in India was Rs 35,000 and that the nanny started at Rs 18,000.

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A post shared by Iuliia Aslamova (@yulia_bangalore)

The post sparked polarised reactions. Critics argued such pay inflates market rates, making help unaffordable for families with special needs children. “No one is talking about underpaying. But Rs 45,000 plus benefits is too much according to market rates,” one user wrote, citing Rs 30,000–Rs35,000  as standard for experienced nannies.

Supporters countered that fair pay reflects the dignity of labour. “It’s ironic how the middle class — often exploited themselves — object when domestic workers are paid well,” one user noted. “Would you take on such demanding work for Rs 15,000–Rs 20,000? If not, then domestic workers are grossly underpaid.”

Another added: “Treating a human being the same way you would be treated at a job doesn’t take much. If you earn well, this should be achievable.”