Business Environment and Law-Minimum Wages Act, 1948
Recent Amendments In The Act- Minimum Wages Act, 1948
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On the basis of recommendations of Central Advisory Board in its meeting held on December 19, 2003, the National Minimum Wage has been raised from Rs. 55 to Rs. 66 per day with effect from February 1, 2004.
Recent Amendments In The
Act
On the basis of recommendations of Central Advisory Board in its meeting held on December 19, 2003, the National Minimum Wage has been raised from Rs. 55 to Rs. 66 per day with effect from February 1, 2004.
This act is of interest to women workers, as it sets minimum wages for employees, which include those working on a temporary basis, piece rate workers and workers paid daily wages. In addition, no employee can be asked to work more than 9 hours a day without additional wages being paid and the normal working hours must be fixed.
This act aims at statutory fixation of minimum wages with a view to prevent the exploitation of workers. It seeks to achieve social justice to workers by securing the enjoyment of minimum wage fixed under the law. There are three levels of wage. They are the living wage, the fair wage and the minimum wage. The components of the minimum wage are set by the standards necessary to cover the basic needs of the workman and to preserve his efficiency. Receipt of the subsistence and wage fixed under the Act are declared to be the fundamental right under Articles 23 and 21 of the constitution. The responsibilities fundamental to the scheme envisaged under the Act are two fold. Firstly, the responsibility of fixing and revising the minimum wage is apportioned between the central and state governments. Secondly, the consequential responsibility of paying the same to the workmen is laid on the employer, both public and private, governed by the Act.
Two methods are envisaged for fixation and revision of the minimum wage. They are substantially similar. Choice of the mode is left to the discretion of the government. Based upon the necessity, the government may either appoint a committee for enquiry and advice or formulate the proposal and publish the same inviting objections. A separate machinery is constituted for hearing and deciding the claims under Act. With a view to ensure quick and inexpensive justice, summary procedure is envisaged.
On the basis of recommendations of Central Advisory Board in its meeting held on December 19, 2003, the National Minimum Wage has been raised from Rs. 55 to Rs. 66 per day with effect from February 1, 2004.
This act is of interest to women workers, as it sets minimum wages for employees, which include those working on a temporary basis, piece rate workers and workers paid daily wages. In addition, no employee can be asked to work more than 9 hours a day without additional wages being paid and the normal working hours must be fixed.
Summary
This act aims at statutory fixation of minimum wages with a view to prevent the exploitation of workers. It seeks to achieve social justice to workers by securing the enjoyment of minimum wage fixed under the law. There are three levels of wage. They are the living wage, the fair wage and the minimum wage. The components of the minimum wage are set by the standards necessary to cover the basic needs of the workman and to preserve his efficiency. Receipt of the subsistence and wage fixed under the Act are declared to be the fundamental right under Articles 23 and 21 of the constitution. The responsibilities fundamental to the scheme envisaged under the Act are two fold. Firstly, the responsibility of fixing and revising the minimum wage is apportioned between the central and state governments. Secondly, the consequential responsibility of paying the same to the workmen is laid on the employer, both public and private, governed by the Act.
Two methods are envisaged for fixation and revision of the minimum wage. They are substantially similar. Choice of the mode is left to the discretion of the government. Based upon the necessity, the government may either appoint a committee for enquiry and advice or formulate the proposal and publish the same inviting objections. A separate machinery is constituted for hearing and deciding the claims under Act. With a view to ensure quick and inexpensive justice, summary procedure is envisaged.
Tags : Business Environment and Law-Minimum Wages Act, 1948
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