Details

SHORT NOTES ON CONTRACT LABOUR (REGULATION AND ABOLITION)ACT, 1970

1. Introduction & Purpose

• Aim: Regulate contract labour, ensure welfare, and allow abolition where needed.

• In Force: From 10 Feb 1971.

• Applies to: Establishments/contractors with 20+ workers in past 12 months (Govt. may extend to fewer).

• Not Covered: Casual/intermittent work less than 120 days/year.

2. Key Definitions (Sec 2)

• Appropriate Govt.:

  • Central: Railways, ports, mines, etc.

  • State: Others.

• Contract Labour: Workers hired via contractor for principal employer.

• Contractor: Person supplying labour/results (includes sub-contractors).

• Principal Employer: Head/owner/manager of govt. office, factory, mine, etc.

• Workman: Manual/skilled/supervisory/clerical worker (excludes managerial, high-paid supervisors, out-workers).

3. Advisory Boards (Sec 3-5)

• Central Advisory Board: Advises on contract labour matters; includes CLC(C), govt. reps, employers, workers, etc.

• State Advisory Board: Similar to Central, for state-level matters.

• Committees: Formed by Boards for specific issues (e.g., welfare).

4. Registration of Establishments (Sec 6-10)

• Mandatory Registration: For principal employers.

• Revocation: If misrepresented or invalid (Sec 8).

• Effect of Non-Registration: Can’t employ contract labour (Sec 9).

• Prohibition (Sec 10): Govt. can ban contract labour in specific jobs after consulting Board.

5. Licensing of Contractors (Sec 11-15)

• Licensing Officers: Appointed to issue/manage licenses.

• License Needed: For all contractors employing contract labour.

• Conditions: May include wages, hours, amenities, etc.

• Revocation: For violations (Sec 14).

• Appeal: Within 30 days to appellate officer (Sec 15).