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Copyright © Universal Multidisciplinary Research Institute Pvt Ltd
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South -Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (SAJMS) ISSN:2349-7858:SJIF:2.246:Volume 3 Issue 5
A REVIEW ON STATUTORY LABOUR WELFARE
PROVISIONS IN INDIA
Amit Singh(Asst Prof)
Dept Of Business Administration ,HP Institute of Higher Education, UP,
Mrs smita r. Kennith (Asst Prof) SRGI,Jhansi,UP
ABSTRACT
The term 'Welfare' expresses many ideas, meanings and connotations, such as the state of well
being, health, happiness, prosperity and the development of human resources. It includes both
the social and economic aspects of welfare. The social concept of welfare implies the welfare of
man, his family and his community. All these three aspects are inter-related and work together.
The economic aspect of welfare covers promotion of economic development by increasing
production and productivity. The objective of labour welfare activities are to promote greater
efficiency of the workers, assure proper human conditions to the workers and their family
members, supplement their wages in monetary teams, give more real wages and foster better
industrial relations. Moreover, with a view to making it mandatory for employers, to provide
certain welfare facilities for their employees the Government of India has enacts certain laws for
the provision of labour welfare in order to enforce the minimum standards of health, and safety
of the workers. Employers have to observe the rules relating to working conditions, hours of
works, hygiene, safety, light, ventilation, sanitation etc. This paper has attempted to study
different laws related to labour welfare enacted by Govt. of India and their implications on
Indian labour.
Keywords : Labour welfare, Welfare activities, Labour laws, Efficiency of the workers.
METHODOLOGY
In this research paper a conceptual framework is developed on the basis of review of the past
studies and Govt. publications etc. The objective of this research is to understand the extent of
the role of labour acts to promote efficiency and to enforce the arrangement of working
conditions, organization of social and sports club and establishment of funds by firm, which
contribute to workers health and safety, comfort, efficiency, economic security, education and
recreation. Data collection method for this study is based on secondary documents study. Since
the study is based on secondary data/information, the data/information has collected from many
published research articles, different books, internet, varies journals and Govt. publications and
websites. Sekaran (2002) observed the situations such as availability of data, accuracy of data,
time span and cost factor of the study, secondary data play significant role in research. Analyzing
the advantages, effectiveness and the limitations of using secondary data / information, the
author prefers to pursue the study based on secondary data/ information. This report is basically
qualitative in nature.
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INTRODUCTION
Labour welfare measures are an effort towards relieving the industrial workers of their worries
and making them happy. Anything done towards the well being of labour force comes under the
purview of labour Welfare. It is generally agreed that labour is an underprivileged section of our
society. The working environment of any job in a factory imposes some adverse effects on the
worker because of the heat, noise, odour, fumes etc. involved in the manufacturing process.
There are also occupational hazards and environmental problems inherent and inevitable in the
manufacturing process itself, which cannot be removed. As a result protective devices and
compensatory benefits have to be provided for labour welfare. Welfare activities influence the
sentiments of the workers, when they feel that both the employer and the Government are
interested in their welfare and happiness, their tendency to grouse and grumble disappear. This
leads to industrial peace which in turn open the way for the development of the country. Welfare
is a desirable state of existence involving the mental, physical, moral and emotional factor of a
person. Adequate level of earnings, safe and human conditions of work and access to some
minimum social security benefits are the major qualitative dimensions of employment which
enhance quality of life of workers and their productivity. Institutional mechanisms exist for
ensuring these to workers in the organized sector of the economy.
With the dawn of independence, welfare measures for upliftment of labour class were
intensified. After independence, the government at a tripartite conference in December 1947
adopted the industrial truce resolution. Several legislations, including the following, were
enacted to maintain industrial peace and harmony: Factories Act, 1948, Employees State
Insurance Act, 1948 and Minimum Wages Act, 1948. The payment of bonus act was passed in
1965.KumarP.Ashok (2012)in his study on Labour welfare measures in Salem Steel plant
examines the significance and objectives of labour welfare and concluded that labour welfare
measures helps to promote industrial relations and to reduce the level of absenteeism.
The law relating to labour and employment in India is primarily known under the
broad category of "Industrial Law". The prevailing social and economic conditions have been
largely influential in shaping the Indian labour legislation, which regulate various aspects of
work such as the number of hours of work, wages, social security and facilities provided.
The labour laws of independent India derive their origin, inspiration and strength partly from the
views expressed by important nationalist leaders during the days of national freedom struggle,
partly from the debates of the Constituent Assembly and partly from the provisions of the
Constitution and the International Conventions and Recommendations. The relevance of the
dignityof human labour and the need for protecting and safeguarding the interest of labour as
human beings .The Labour Laws were also influenced by important human rights and the
conventions and standards that have emerged from the United Nations. These include right to
work of one’s choice, right against discrimination, prohibition of child labour, just and humane
conditions of work, social security, protection of wages, redress of grievances, right to organize
and form trade unions, collective bargaining and participation in management. The labour laws
have also been significantly influenced by the deliberations of the various Sessions of the Indian
Labour Conference and the International Labour Conference. Labour legislations have also been
shaped and influenced by the recommendations of the various National Committees and
Commissions such as First National Commission on Labour (1969) under the Chairmanship of
Justice Gajendragadkar, National Commission on Rural Labour (1991), Second National
Commission on Labour (2002).
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PRIOR APPROACH (LITERATURE REVIEW)
Employee welfare means ―the effort to make life worth living for workmen‖. When all basic
facilities are provided and employees obtain satisfaction then the productivity can be increased
and development of the organization will be possible.Labour welfare has been defined in various
ways, though no single definition has found universal acceptance.
The Oxford dictionary defines labour welfare as "Efforts to make life worth living for workmen."
Chambers dictionary defines welfare as "A state of faring or doing well. Freedom from calamity,
enjoyment of health and prosperity".
In the words of R.R.Hopkins, ―welfare is fundamentally an attitude of mind on the part of
management, influencing the method by which management activities are undertaken.‖
Obviously the emphasis here is on the ―attitude of mind.‖
Arthur James Todd defines welfare work as ―anything done for the comfort and improvement,
intellectual and social, of the employees over and above the wages paid, which is not a necessity
of the industry.‖
E.S.Proud defines welfare work as ―voluntary efforts on the part of the employers to improve the
existing industrial system and the conditions of employment in their own factories.‖
In the Report II of the ILO Asian Regional conference, it has been stated that worker’s welfare
may be understood to mean ―such services, facilities and amenities, which may be established
outside or in the vicinity of undertakings, to enable the persons employed there in to perform
their work in healthy and congenial surroundings and to provide them with the amenities
conducive to good health and high morale.‖
The Labour Investigation Committee (1944-46) includes under labour welfare activities anything
done for the intellectual, physical, moral and economical betterment of the workers, whether by
employers by government or by other agencies, over and above what is laid down by law or what
is normally expected as part of the contractual benefits for which the workers may have
bargained.‖
The Report of the committee on Labour welfare (1969) includes under it ―such services, facilities
and amenities as adequate canteens, rest and recreation facilities, sanitary and medical facilities,
arrangements for travel to and from work and for the accommodation of workers employed at a
distance from their homes, and such other services, amenities and facilities including social
security measures as contribute to improve the conditions under which workers are employed.’
The whole field of welfare is said to be one ―in which much can be done to combat the sense of
frustration of the industrial workers, to relieve them of personal and family worries to improve
their health, to afford them means of self-expression, to offer them some sphere in which they
can excel others and to help them to a wider conception of life.’’ It promotes the well-being of
workers in a variety of ways.
According to N.M.Joshi, welfare work ―covers all the efforts which employers make for the
benefit of their employees over and above the minimum standards of working conditions fixed
by the factories Act and over and above the provision of the social legislations providing against
accident, old age, unemployment and sickness.‖
Report of National Commission on Labour (2002), Government of India, made
recommendations in the area of labour welfare measures which includes social security,
extending the application of the Provident Fund, gratuity and unemployment insurance etc.
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Shobha Mishra & Manju Bhagat, in their ―Principles for Successful Implementation of Labour
Welfare Activities‖, sated that labour absenteeism in Indian industries can be reduced to a great
extent by providing good housing, health and family care, canteen, educational and training
facilities and provision of welfare activities. The principle for successful implementation of
labour welfare activities is nothing but an extension of democratic values in an industrialized
society. P.L.Rao, in his ―Labour Legislation in the Making‖, opines that professional bodies like
National Institute of Personnel Management should constitute a standing committee to monitor
the proceeding in the Parliament regarding the labour welfare measures."
Conventions and Recommendation of ILO (1949) sets forth a fundamental principle at its 26th
conference held in Philadelphia recommended some of the measures in the area of welfare
measures which includes adequate protection for life and health of workers in all occupations,
provision for child welfare and maternity protection, provision of adequate nutrition, housing and
facilities for recreation and culture, the assurance of equality of educational and vocational
opportunity etc.
The study of Zacharaiah based on a sample survey of manufacturing undertakings in Bombay,
covered welfare services and working conditions while surveying the factors affecting industrial
relations. It was observed that better working conditions and adequate provision of welfare
services would contribute to harmonious industrial relations.
A study conducted by Koshan pointed out that inspite of statutory provisions and enforcing
agencies in India, the welfare facilities were absent. The study suggested that need for
overhauling and tightening the machinery of inspection. Appointment of welfare inspectors for
different industries, distinguishing the duties of factory inspectors from those of welfare
inspectors to submit annual and quarterly reports and empowering the welfare inspectors to fine
in case of default, were some of the steps suggested in this study
OUR APPROACH
The very logic behind providing welfare schemes is to create efficient, healthy, loyal and
satisfied labor force for the organization. The purpose of providing such facilities is to make their
work life better and also to raise their standard of living. The important benefits of welfare
measures can be summarized as follows:
They provide better physical and mental health to workers and thus promote a healthy
work environment
Facilities like housing schemes, medical benefits, and education and recreation facilities
for workers’ families help in raising their standards of living. This makes workers to pay
more attention towards work and thus increases their productivity.
Employers get stable labor force by providing welfare facilities. Workers take active
interest in their jobs and work with a feeling of involvement and participation.
Employee welfare measures increase the productivity of organization and promote
healthy industrial relations thereby maintaining industrial peace.
The social evils prevalent among the labors such as substance abuse, etc are reduced to a greater
extent by the welfare policies. Employee welfare has 2 aspects—negative and positive.
On the negative side, employee welfare is concerned with counteracting the baneful effects of
the large-scale industrial system of production especially capitalistic, so far as India is concerned
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on the personal/family, and social life of the worker. On its positive side, it deals with the
provision of opportunities for the worker and his/her family for a good life as understood in its
most comprehensive sense. Employee welfare operates to neutralize the harmful effects of large
scale industrialization and urbanization. Provision of welfare amenities enables the workers to
live a richer and more satisfactory life and contributes to their efficiency and productivity. It
helps in maintaining industrial peace.
Employee welfare services may be classified into two broad categories:
1. Intra-mural - These services are provided within the establishment. These include
latrines and urinals, washing and bathing facilities, crèches, rest shelters, canteens,
Uniform, medical aid, library, recreation facilities, free or subsidies free or subsidized
food, etc.
2. Extra-mural - These services are provided outside the establishment. These consist of
housing accommodation, transport maternity benefits children’s education, sports fields,
family planning and child welfare, holiday homes, leave travel facilities, workers
cooperative stores, fair price shop, credit societies, vocational guidance, interest free
loans, etc.
Agencies engaged in labour welfare:-
Central Govt.-the Central Govt had passed a number of acts for the welfare of different
types of workers .it also administers the implementation of industrial and labour laws.
Under these acts ,employers have to provide certain basic welfare facilities to the workers
like canteen, rest and lunch room ,crèches ,medical aid, ventilation ,drinking water,
uniforms etc.
State Govt.-the State Govt keep a vigil on the employers that they are operating the
welfare schemes made obligatory by the central and state Govt .the state Govt have been
empowered to prescribe rules for the welfare of workers and appoint appropriate
authorities for the enforcement of welfare provisions under various labour laws.
Employers-employers play a major role in providing welfare facilities to industrial
workers .the welfare facilities offered by the employers on their own are called voluntary
welfare facilities. These include residential accommodation to workers ,medical and
transport facilities ,reading rooms, scholarship to children of workers etc.
Trade Unions-trade union are supposed to raise the welfare of workers and naturally
they are expected to provide certain welfare facilities to their members .union can provide
educational cultural and other facilities to their members. But the role of trade unions in
the field of labour welfare is insignificant as they face the problem of shortage of funds.
Voluntary Organizations- some social welfare and charitable organizations conduct
social welfare activities which are useful to all sections of the society including industrial
workers. These agencies provide medical aid, educational facilities ,scholarship etc.
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Statutory Provisions Concerning Labour Welfare-
The Government has made elaborate provisions for the health, safety and welfare of workers
under the Factories Act, 1948, and Mines Act, 1952. These Acts provide for canteens, crèches,
shelters, rest rooms, washing facilities, etc. They also regulate the age of employment, hours of
work and make provision for the appointment of labour welfare officers. The state governments
have been empowered to prescribe duties, qualifications and conditions of service of these
welfare officers. Statutory Welfare Funds have been set up in important industries and mines to
provide games, housing, hospitalization, educational, maternity, child care and recreational
facilities. Similar facilities are provided under the Plantation Labour Act, 1951, and Motor
Transport workers Act, 1961. Sickness, maternity and medical benefits are provided under the
employees State Insurance Act, 1948.The government has also chalked knout comprehensive
programmers for housing facilities, social security scheme, provident fund and such other
facilities. A few of these acts are discussed below-
Welfare provisions under The Factories Act, 1948-
Washing Facilities. In every factory adequate and suitable facilities for washing shall be
provided and maintained. They shatI be conveniently accessible and shall be kept clean.
There must be separate provisions for male and female workers.- (Section 42)
Storing and drying. The State Government may make rules requiring the provision of
suitable facilities for storing and drying clothing.-(Section 43)
Sitting. Sitting facilities must be provided for workers who have to work in a standing
position. so that they may take rest when possible. When work can be done in a sitting
position efficiently the Chief Inspector may direct the provision of sitting arrangements.
(Section 44)
First aid. Every factory must provide first aid boxes or cupboard. They must contain the
prescribed materials and they must be in charge of persons trained in first aid treatment.
Factories employing more than 500 persons must maintain an ambulance roam con-
taining the prescribed equipment and in charge of the prescribed medical and nursing
staff-(Section 45).
Canteens. Where more than 250 workers are employed. the state Government may
require the opening of canteen or canteens for workers. Rules may be framed regarding
the food served. its management etc.,.. (Section 46)
Shelters. In every factory where more than 150 workers are employed there must be
provided adequate and suitable shelters or rest. rooms and a lunch room (with drinking
water supply) where workers may eat meals brought by them. Such rooms must be suffi-
ciently lighted and ventilated and must be maintained in a cool and clean condition~.
The standards may be fixed by the State Government. -(Section 47)
Crèche. In every factory where more than 30 women a employed, a room shall be
provided for the use of the children (below 6 years) of such women. The room shall be
adequate size. well lighted and ventilated, maintained in a clean and sanitary condition
and shall be in charge of a woman trained in the care of children and infants. The
standards shall be laid down by the State Government. (Section 48)
Welfare officers. Welfare officers must be appointed in every factory where 500 or more
workers are employed. The State Government may prescribe the duties, qualifications
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etc. of such officers. (Section 49)
Welfare provisions under The Mines Act, 1952 and the Mines Rules 1955-
Drinking Water [Section 19(1) of the Mines Act, 1952]-Suitable arrangements at
conveniently located points easily accessible to all persons employed in a mine for cool
and wholesome drinking water in sufficient quantity shall be made. Rule 30 of the Mines
Rules, 1955 specifies the scale on quantity of water at least 2 liters per persons employed
in the mine at any one time.
Conservancy [Section 20 of the Mines Act, 1952]-Provision for latrines and urinals
separately for male and female workers employed in the mine have been made with
scales, standards of construction etc. as prescribed under rules 33 to 39 of the Mines
Rules, 1955.
Rest shelters [Rule 62 & 63 of Mines Rules, 1955]-Provision for rest shelters of
prescribe standard has been made where more than 50 persons are ordinarily employed in
the mine.
Canteen [Rule 64 to 71 of Mines Rules, 1955]-At mine where more than 250 persons are
ordinarily employed, provision for canteen with prescribed standard of construction,
furniture and equipment, staff, canteen management committee, prices to be charged, and
accounts etc. have been made.
Appointment of Welfare Officer [Rule 72 to 74 of Mines Rules, 1955]-For every mine
more than 500 persons are employed, provision for appointment of Welfare Officer(s)
with prescribe qualifications has been made. The duties and conditions of work have also
been prescribed.
Provision for Crèche [Mine Crèche Rules, 1966] Provision of crèche for children of
females employed in the mine has been made with required details such as standard of
construction, recreation facilities, food etc prescribed under the rule.
Medical appliances [Section 21 of the Mines Act, 1952]-Provisions for first aid boxes or
cupboard equipped with prescribed contents have been made which are prescribed in
detail under rule 43 – 45 of Mines Rules, 1955.
• Provision for appointment and training of adequate number of first aid trained personnel
have been made under rules 40, 41 and 42 of the Mines Rules, 1955.
• Provision for first aid room (where more than 150 persons are employed in the mine)
has been made with prescribed contents and furnishing.
• Provisions for first aid station both on surface as well as belowground have also been
made under rule 44 of the Mines Rules, 1955.
• Statutory supervisory officials such as Overman, Foreman, Mate, Mining Sirdar,
Shotfire, Blaster and other competent persons are also required to carry with them first
aid outfit while on duty in mines.
Provisions for conveyance (ambulance van) [Section 21(4) of The Mines Act, 1952]
& [Rule 40(2) of the Mines, 1955]-Provision for suitable conveyance/ambulance van has
been made to readily carry the persons to hospitals/dispensaries who suffer from serious
bodily injuries or becomes ill while on duty.
Welfare provisions under The Plantations Labour Act, 1951:
Canteens.-The State Government may make rules requiring that in every plantation
wherein one hundred and fifty workers are ordinarily employed, one or more canteens
shall be provided and maintained by the employer for the use of the workers. (Section 11)
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Crèches- In every plantation wherein fifty or more women workers (including women
workers employed by any contractor) are employed or were employed on any day of the
preceding twelve months, or where the number of children of women workers (including
women workers employed by any contractor) is twenty or more, there shall be provided
and maintained by the employer suitable rooms for the use of children of such women
workers.(Section 12).
Recreational facilities- The State Government may make rules requiring every employer
to make provision in his plantation for such recreational facilities for the workers and
children employed therein as may be prescribed. (Section 13).
Educational facilities- Where the children between the ages of six and twelve of workers
employed in any plantation exceed twenty-five in number, the State Government may
make rules requiring every employer to provide educational for the children in such
manner and of such standard as may be prescribed. (Section 14).
Housing facilities- for every worker and his family residing in the plantation. The
standard and specification of the accommodation, procedure for allotment and rent
chargeable from workers, are to be prescribed in the Rules by the state governments
(Section 15 & 16).
Other facilities.- The state government may make rules requiring every plantation
employer to provide the workers with such number and type of umbrellas, blankets,
raincoats or other like amenities for the protection of workers from rain or cold as may be
prescribe(Section 17).
Welfare officers.- In every plantation wherein three hundred or more workers are ordinarily
employed the employer shall employ such number of welfare officers as may be
prescribed. (Section18).
Welfare provisions under Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Central Rules 1971
The facilities required to be provided under sections 18 and 19 of the Act, namely
sufficient supply of wholesome drinking water, a sufficient number of latrines and
urinals, washing facilities and first-aid facilities, shall be provided by the contractor .
Rest rooms- In every place wherein contract labour is required to halt at night in
connection with the working of the establishment to which the Act applies and in which
employment of contract labour is likely to continue for 3 months or more. (Section 17)
Canteens-In every establishment to which the Act applies and wherein work regarding
the employment of contract labour is likely to continue for six months and wherein
contract labour numbering one hundred or more are ordinarily employed .( Section 16)
Latrines and Urinals -Latrines shall be provided in every establishment coming within
the scope of the Act on the following scale, namely:-
(a) Where females; are employed, there shall be at least one latrine for every 25 females;
(b) Where males are employed, there shall be at least one latrine for every 25 male:
Provided that where the number of males or females exceeds 100, it shall be sufficient if
there is one latrine for every 25 males or females, as the case may be, upto the first 100,
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and one for every 50 thereafter. Where workers of both sexes are employed there shall be
displayed outside each block of latrine and urinal a notice in the language understood by
the majority of the workers ―For Men only‖ or ―For Women Only‖, as the case may be.
There shall be at least one urinal for male workers unto 50 and one for female workers up
to fifty employed at a time: Provided that where the number of male or female workmen,
as the case may be exceeds 500 it shall be sufficient if there is one urinal for every 50
males or females up to the first 500 and one for every 100 or part thereof thereafter. .
(Section 18)
Washing Facilities -every establishment coming within the scope of the Act adequate and
suitable facilities for washing shall be provided and maintained for the use of contract
labour employed therein. Separate and adequate screening facilities shall be provided for
the use of male and female workers. (Section 18)
First-Aid Facilities -In every establishment coming within the scope of the Act there
shall be provided and maintained so, as to be readily accessible during all working hours
first-aid boxes at the rate of not less than one box for 150 contract labour or part thereof
ordinarily employed. The First-Aid Box shall be kept in charge of a responsible person
who shall always be readily available during the working hours of the establishment. A
person in charge of the First-Aid Box shall be a person trained in First-Aid treatment, in
establishments where the number of contract labour employed is 150 or more.(Section 19)
Welfare provisions under The Motors Transport Workers Act, 1961
Canteens. -The State Government may make rules requiring that in every place wherein
one hundred motor transport workers or more employed in a motor transport undertaking
ordinarily call on duty during every day, one or more canteens shall be provided and
maintained by the employer for the use of the motor transport workers.(Section 8)
Rest rooms-In every place wherein motor transport workers employed in a motor
transport undertaking are required to halt at night, there shall be provided and maintained
the employer for the use of those motor transport workers such number of rest rooms or
such other suitable alternative accommodation, as may be prescribed(Section 9)
Uniforms-The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules
requiring an employer of a motor transport undertaking to provide for the drivers,
conductors and line checking staff employed in that undertaking such number and type of
uniforms, raincoats or other like amenities for their protection from rain or cold as may be
specified in the rules. (Section 10)
Medical facilities- There shall be provided and maintained by the employer so as to be
readily available such medical facilities for the motor transport workers at such operating
centres and halting stations as may be prescribed by the State government. (Section 11)
First-aid facilities- There shall be provided and maintained by the employer so as to be
readily accessible during all working hours a first –aid box equipped with the prescribed
contents in every transport vehicle. The first-aid box shall be kept in the charge of the
driver or the conductor of the transport vehicle who shall be provided facilities for
training in the use thereof. (Section 12)
Welfare provisions under Dock Workers (Safety, Health And Welfare) Rules, 1990
Drinking water.-On board every ship and in every dock, effective arrangement shall be
made to provide and maintain at suitable
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points conveniently situated for all dock workers employed therein, sufficient supply of
wholesome drinking water: Provided that the drinking water point is available within 100
meters of the place where dock workers are employed. All such points shall be legibly
marked "Drinking Water" in a language understood by a majority of the dock workers
and no such point shall be situated within six meters of any washing place urinal or
latrine unless a shorter distance is approved in writing by the Chief Inspector.(Section 96)
Latrines and urinals. - In every dock, latrine and urinal accommodation shall be
provided on the scale given in Schedule VIII and shall be conveniently situated and
accessible to dock workers at all times while they are at work. Such accommodation and
access to it shall be adequately lighted and ventilated. Separate latrines shall be provided
where female dock workers are employed. (Section 97)
Washing facilities. -In every dock, rest shed, call stand and canteen, adequate and
suitable facilities for washing shall be provided and maintained for the use of the dock
workers and such facilities shall be conveniently accessible and shall be kept in clean and
orderly condition. Washing facilities shall include glazed wash basins with taps attached
thereto. Where dock workers are exposed to skin contamination by poisonous, infection
or irritation substances or oil grease or dust, adequate number of shower-baths enclosed
in individual compartments, with entrances suitably screened shall be provided. (Section
100)
First-aid boxes. -In every dock and on board every ship there shall be provided and
maintained so as to be readily accessible during all working hours, sufficient number of
first-aid boxes or cupboards, Provided that the distance of the nearest first-aid box or
cupboard shall not be more than 200 meters from any working place. (Section 101)
Ambulance room.-In every dock or in any part of a dock where dock workers are
ordinarily employed, there, shall be provided and maintained an ambulance room with
effective communication system and shall be in the charge of a qualified nurse who shall
always be readily available during all working hours and the ambulance room shall be in
overall charge of a qualified medical practitioner. (Section 102)
Shelters or rest sheds and lunch rooms. -In every dock wherein more than 150 dock
workers are ordinarily employed, adequate and suitable shelters or rest sheds and suitable
lunch rooms with provision for drinking water and washing facilities, where dock
workers can eat meals brought by them, shall be provided at convenient places and
maintained for their use: (Section 105)
Canteens. -In any dock or in any part of dock wherein more than 250 dock workers are
ordinarily employed, or are waiting to be employed, adequate canteen facilities in or near
the work area shall be provided and maintained by the Port Authorities and dock labour
boards for the use of all dock workers. The canteen shall function at all times when
twenty-five or more dock workers are employed at a time. (Section 106)
Welfare Officers. - Every Post Authority and Dock Labour Board shall employ a
number of welfare officers with duties, qualifications and conditions of service as laid
down in Schedule X.Every other employer of dock worker shall employ at least one
welfare officer, provided that the employers may form a group and appoint welfare
officer for the group as specified in Schedule X with the written permission of the Chief
Inspector. (Section 109)
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Some Acts Related to Labour Welfare Funds:
The Ministry of Labour is administering five Welfare Funds for beedi, cine and certain
categories of non-coal mine workers. The Funds have been set up under the following Acts of
Parliament for the welfare of these workers:
•The Mica Mines Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1946;
•The Limestone and Dolomite Mines Labour Welfare Fund Act,1972;
•The Iron Ore, Manganese Ore and Chrome Ore Mines Labour Welfare Fund Act, 1976;
•The Beedi Workers' Welfare Fund Act, 1976; and
•The Cine Workers' Welfare Fund Act, 1981.
The above Acts provide that the Fund may be applied by the Central Government to meet
the expenditure incurred in connection with measures and facilities which are necessary to
provide the welfare of such workers. In order to give effect to the above objectives laid down in
the above Acts, various welfare schemes have been formulated and are under operation in the
fields of:
1. Health
2. Social Security
3. Education
4. Housing
5. Recreation
6. Water Supply
The Labour Welfare Organization which administers these Funds is headed by a Director
General (Labour Welfare)/Joint Secretary. He is assisted by the Welfare Commissioner
(Headquarters) of Director Rank, who supervises nine Regional Welfare Commissioners for the
purpose of administration of these Funds in the States
Labour welfare and ILO-
The international Labour Organization did much to improve working and living condition of
people throughout the world. It is shown itself to be an efficiency tool in the service of social
justice in all parts of the world. It has brought about international co-operation, unity and
understanding and helped in the elimination of poverty and injustice. It has rendering exemplary
service to all the three elements composing it –government, employers and workers. Its
Conventions have been greatly appreciated by the working class all over the world for their
beneficent, humanitarian and missionary influence. They are considered as the embodiment of
social justice by the under-privileged. Our country is greatly benefited by the ILO standards
which helped in improving the working class. It has greatly influenced labour legislation, labour
welfare, trade unionism and industrial relations of our country. The very law making process in
our country in the field of labour has been considerably influenced by its standard-setting
process. Following ILO traditional, the principle of tripartite consultation has been successfully
adopted by the Government of India in the formulation of labour policy on the Government of
India in the formulation of labour policy on the basis of consensus. n essence, there is a close
resemblance between the ILO Philadelphia Charter of 1944 and the Fundamental Rights and the
Directive Principles of State Policy under the Indian Constitution. All these basic document are
based on the principles of freedom, individual dignity and social justice.
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South -Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (SAJMS) ISSN:2349-7858:SJIF:2.246:Volume 3 Issue 5
CONCLUSION
In a world of changing values, where ideologies are rapidly undergoing transformation, rigid
statements about the field of labour welfare need to be revised. . Employee welfare is in the
interest of the employee, the employer and the society as a whole. For the employee, welfare
helps to counteract the negative effects of the factory system. These measures enable the
employee and his family to lead a good life. Welfare facilities like housing; medical aid
children’s education, recreation etc. help to improve the family life of employees. For the
employer, welfare measure lead to higher morale and productivity of labour. Employee welfare
is also in the inertest of the larger society because the health, happiness’ and efficiency of each
individual represents the general well-being of all. Well-housed,well-looked after, labour is not
only an asset to the employer but serves to raise the standard of industry and labour in the
country .
Labour Welfare legislation aim at improving the working conditions, maintenance of
better Industrial relations, strict enforcement of Labour Laws and launching of welfare
activities for the benefit of industrial workers and their families. The improvement of labour
welfare and increasing productivity with reasonable level of social security is one of the prime
objectives concerning social and economic policy of the Government. The resources have been
directed through the five year Plan programmes towards skill formation and development,
monitoring of proper execution of labour laws, creation of industrial harmony through
infrastructure for health, industrial relations and insurance against disease, accident and
unemployment for the workers and their families. labour legislation can only fulfills its welfare functions effectively if it is responsive to the
conditions on the labour market and the needs of the parties involved. The most efficient way of
ensuring that these conditions and needs are taken fully into account is if those concerned are
closely involved in the formulation of the legislation through processes of social dialogue. The
involvement of stakeholders in this way is of great importance in developing a broad basis of
support for labour legislation and in facilitating its application within and beyond the formal structured sectors of the economy. As welfare of worker at work place will improve not only
their efficiency but also improve their willingness to perform their duty and increase productivity
.
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South -Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies (SAJMS) ISSN:2349-7858:SJIF:2.246:Volume 3 Issue 5
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