MINIMUM WAGES ACT, 1948
INTRODUCTION
The Minimum Wages Act of 1948 is not only a measure of social security for the
poverty stricken workers, but it is also a device for improving the standard of living of
the downtrodden and thereby paving the way for their betterment and ultimate welfare.
The continuing tendency among the employer is only to exploit the labourers
who happen to be illiterates and who never possessed the necessary prowess to fight
against the ingenuity of the employers.
The Minimum Wages Act
(i) Assures wages so as to help the workers to eke out their livelihood,
at least to an extent of sustaining the adversities, namely, rise in the
cost of living.
(ii) Prevents the employers from exploiting the labourers by paying
wages far below their needs; and
(iii) Lays down principles for fixation of wages on a need based scale.
DEFINITION
Though Minimum Wages has not been defined anywhere in the Minimum
Wages Act, it can be defined generally. In common sense, minimum wages is the bare
subsistence money required by the worker not only to meet the basic needs such as
food, shelter and clothing but it is also includes monies required for medical expenses,
education for children and traveling expenses to a worker in a family. Family consists
of husband, wife, and two children.
OBJECTS AND SCOPE OF THE ACT
The Minimum Wages Act contemplates
(i) The wages that are paid to the workers should meet their physical needs
and at the same time.
(ii) Keep them above starvation level.
(iii) It should ensure sustenance for their family; and
