New Delhi [India], March 20: As India strives to become the “factory of the world,” Abhijeet Rane, founder of the Dhadak Kamgaar Union, emphasizes the importance of protecting workers’ rights. With global conglomerates setting up plants in India, it’s crucial to ensure that employees’ rights are safeguarded.
Key Challenges Facing Workers in India
- Low Wages: Factory workers in India are often paid meager wages.
- Lack of Safety: Workers face unsafe working conditions.
- Discriminatory Hiring Practices: Married women in the electronics sector face bias.
- Unsafe Living Conditions: Workers are often forced to live in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.
Legal Framework Governing Workers’ Rights
India has laws like:
- The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947: Regulates layoffs and retrenchments.
- The Factories Act, 1948: Ensures workers’ safety and health.
- The Minimum Wages Act, 1948: Fixes minimum wages.
- The Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952: Mandates provident funds.
As India grows as a manufacturing hub, prioritizing workers’ rights is essential. The government, employers, and workers’ unions must work together to address challenges and create a fair work environment.