India’s employment and labour laws are designed to protect the rights of workers, promote
fair labour practices, and ensure a safe working environment. These laws are enacted by
the central government and state governments, and are enforced by various authorities. In
this article, we will provide an overview of the key employment and labour laws in India.
- The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947
The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, is a comprehensive law that regulates industrial
disputes, strikes, and lockouts. The Act provides for the settlement of disputes through
conciliation, arbitration, and adjudication. - The Factories Act, 1948
The Factories Act, 1948, regulates the working conditions in factories, ensuring the health,
safety, and welfare of workers. The Act prescribes standards for working hours, wages, and
working conditions. - The Minimum Wages Act, 1948
The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, ensures that workers receive fair wages for their work. The
Act fixes minimum wages for different categories of workers and provides for the payment
of overtime wages. - The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972
The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, provides for the payment of gratuity to workers who
have completed five years of continuous service. The Act ensures that workers receive a
lump sum payment as a token of appreciation for their service. - The Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
The Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, provides for the
establishment of provident funds for workers. The Act ensures that workers receive a
pension and other benefits after retirement. - The Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948
The Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, provides for the establishment of an insurance
scheme for workers. The Act ensures that workers receive medical benefits, disability
benefits, and other benefits in case of sickness, injury, or death. - The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)
Act, 2013
The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)
Act, 2013, provides for the prevention and redressal of sexual harassment of women at the
workplace. The Act ensures that women workers are protected from sexual harassment
and provides for the establishment of internal complaint committees. - The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970
The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, regulates the employment of
contract labour. The Act ensures that contract workers receive fair wages, social security
benefits, and other benefits. - The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service)
Act, 1979
The Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service)
Act, 1979, regulates the employment of inter-state migrant workers. The Act ensures that
migrant workers receive fair wages, social security benefits, and other benefits. - The Labour Laws (Amendment) Act, 2017
The Labour Laws (Amendment) Act, 2017, amends several labour laws, including the
Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, the Factories Act, 1948, and the Contract Labour (Regulation
and Abolition) Act, 1970. The Act aims to simplify labour laws, promote ease of doing
business, and protect workers’ rights.
India’s employment and labour laws are designed to protect the rights of workers, promote
fair labour practices, and ensure a safe working environment. Employers and workers must
comply with these laws to avoid penalties and ensure a harmonious workplace.