The MINIMUM WAGES ACT, 1948

9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 INDEX THE MINIMUM WAGES ACT, 1948 Sec. Particulars Introduction 1. Short title and extent 2. Interpretation 3. Fixing of minimum rates of wages 4. Minimum rate of wages 5. Procedure for fixing and revising minimum wages 6. [Repealed] 7. Advisory Board 8. Central Advisory Board 9. Composition of committees, etc. 10. Correction of errors 11. Wages in kind 12. Payment of minimum rates of wages 13. Fixing hours for normal working day, etc. 14. Overtime 15. Wages of worker who works for less than normal working day 16. Wages for two or more classes of work 17. Minimum time rate wages for piece work 18. Maintenance of registers and records 19. Inspectors 20. Claims 21. Single application in respect of a number of employees 22. Penalties for certain offences 22A. General provision for punishment of other offences 22B. Cognizance of offences Sec. Particulars 22C. Offences by companies 22D. Payment of un-disbursed amounts due to employees 22E. Protection against attachment of assets of employer with Government 22F. Application of Payment of Wages Act, 1936 to scheduled employments 23. Exemption of employer from liability in certain cases 24. Bar of suits 25. Contracting out 26. Exemptions and exceptions 27. Power of State Government to add to Schedule 28. Power of the Central Government to give directions 29. Power of the Central Government to make rules 30. Power of appropriate Government to make rules 30 A. Rules made by the Central Government to be laid before Parliament 31. Validation of fixation of certain minimum rates of wages ... THE SCHEDULE.— [Scheduled Employment-See section 2(g) and 27] 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 THE MINIMUM WAGES ACT, 1948 INTRODUCTION The concept of minimum wages first evolved with reference to remuneration of workers in those industries where the level of wages was substantially low as compared to the wages for similar types of labour in other industries. As far back as 1928, the International Labour Conference of International Labour Organisation, at Geneva, adopted a draft convention on minimum wages requiring the member countries to create and maintain a machinery whereby minimum rates of wages can be fixed for workers employed in industries in which no arrangements exist for the effective regulation of wages and where wages are exceptionally low. Also, at the Preparatory Asian Regional Labour Conference of International Labour Organisation held at New Delhi in 1947 and then at the 3rd session of the Asian Regional Labour Conference, it was approved that every effort should be made to improve wage standards in industries and occupations in Asian Countries, where they are still low. Thus, the need of a legislation for fixation of minimum wages in India received an impetus after World War II, on account of the necessity of protecting the interest of demobilised personnel seeking employment in industries. To provide for machinery for fixing and revision of minimum wages a draft Bill was prepared and discussed at the 7th session of the Indian Labour Conference in November, 1945. Thereupon the Minimum Wages Bill was introduced in the Central Legislative Assembly. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS 1. The justification for statutory fixation of minimum wage is obvious. Such provisions which exist in more advanced countries are even necessary in India, where workers’ organizations are yet poorly developed and the workers’ bargaining power is consequently poor. 2. The Bill provides for fixation by the Provincial Governments of minimum wages for employments covered by Schedule to the Bill. The items in the Schedule are those where sweated labour is more prevalent or where there is a big chance of exploitation of labour. After sometime, when some experience is gained, more categories of employment can be added and the Bill provides for addition to the Schedule. A higher period is allowed for fixation of minimum wages for agricultural labour as administrative difficulties in this case will be more than in other employments covered by the Schedule. The Bill provides for periodical revision of wages fixed. 3. Provisions had been made for appointment of Advisory Committees and Advisory Boards, the latter for co-ordination work of the Advisory Committees. The Committees and the Boards will have equal representation of employers and workmen. Except on initial fixation of minimum wages, consultation with the Advisory Committee will be obligatory on all occasions of revision. 4. In cases where an employer pays less than the minimum wages fixed by the Provincial Government a summary procedure has been provided for recovery of the balance with penalty and subsequent prosecution of the offending party. 5. It is not ordinarily proposed to make any exemptions in regard to employees of undertakings belonging to the Central Government except that difficulties might arise when the sphere of duty of such an employer covers more than one province and where the rates of minimum wages fixed by the different provinces may be different. For this purpose a provision has been included that the minimum wages fixed by a Provincial Government will not apply to employees in any undertaking owned by the Central Government or employees of a Federal Railway, except with the consent of the Central Government. ACT 11 OF 1948 The Minimum Wages Bill having been passed by the Legislature received its assent on 15th March, 1948. It came on the Statute Book as THE MINIMUM WAGES ACT, 1948 (11 of 1948). LIST OF AMENDING ACTS AND ADAPTATION ORDER 1. The Adaptation of Laws Order, 1950. 2. The Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act, 1950 (56 of 1950). 3. The Part B States (Laws) Act, 1951 (3 of 1951). 4. The Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act, 1951 (16 of 1951). 5. The Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act, 1954 (26 of 1954). 6. The Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act, 1957 (30 of 1957). 7. The Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act, 1961 (31 of 1961). 8. The Central Labour Laws (Extension to Jammu and Kashmir) Act, 1970 (51 of 1970). 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 9. The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986 (61 of 1986). 10. The Delegated Legislation Provisions (Amendment) Act, 2004 (4 of 2005). 1 THE MINIMUM WAGES ACT, 1948 (11 of 1948) [15th March, 1948] An Act to provide for fixing minimum rates of wages in certain employments. whereas it is expedient to provide for fixing minimum rates of wages in certain employments; It is hereby enacted as follows:— 1. Short title and extent.— (1) This Act may be called the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. (2) It extends to 2[the whole of India] 3[***]. 2. Interpretation.—In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,— 4[(a)“adolescent” means a person who has completed his fourteenth year of age but has not completed his eighteenth year; (aa)“adult” means a person who has completed his eighteenth year of age;] (b) “appropriate Government” means— (i) in relation to any scheduled employment carried on by or under the authority of the 5[Central Government or a railway administration], or 1 For Statement of Objects and Reasons, see Gazette of India, 1946, Pt. V, p. 224 and for the Report of the Select Committee, sec Gazette of India, 1948, Pt. V, pp. 55-58. This Act has been extended to Dadra and Nagar Haveli by Reg. 6 of 1963, sec. 2 and Sch. I, to Pondicherry by Reg. 7 of 1963, sec. 3 and Sch. 1 and to Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi Islands by Reg. 8 of 1965. sec. 3 and Sch. The provisions of this Act shall come into force in the State of Sikkim with effect from 1st day of October, 2004,vide S.O. 1078 (E), dated 1st October, 2004. 2 Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for ‘all the Provinces of India’. 3 The words ‘except the State of Jammu and Kashmir’ omitted by Act 51 of 1970, sec. 2 and Sch. (w.e.f. 1-9-1971). 4 Subs. by Act 61 of 1986, sec. 23, for clause (a) (w.e.f. 23-12-1986). 5 Subs. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 2, for “Central Govt, by a railway administration” (w.e.f. 17-9- 1957). in relation to a mine, oil-field or major port, or any corporation established by 1[a Central Act], the Central Government, and (ii) in relation to any other scheduled employment, the 2 [State Government]; 3[(bb)“child” means a person who has not completed his fourteenth year of age;] (c) “competent authority” means the authority appointed by the appropriate Government by notification in its Official Gazette to ascertain from time to time the cost of living index number applicable to the employees employed in the scheduled employments specified in such notification; (d) “cost of living index number” in relation to employees in any scheduled employment in respect of which minimum rates of wages have been fixed, means the index number ascertained and declared by the competent authority by notification in the Official Gazette to be the cost of living index number applicable to employees in such employment; (e) “employer” means any person who employs, whether directly or through another person, or whether on behalf of himself or any other person, one or more employees in any scheduled employment in respect of which minimum rates of wages have been fixed under this Act, and includes, except in sub-section (3) of section 26,— (i) in a factory where there is carried on any scheduled employment in respect of which minimum rates of wages have been fixed under this Act, any person named under 4[clause (f) of sub- section (1) of section 7 of the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948)], as manager of the factory; (ii) in any scheduled employment under the control of any Government in India in respect of which minimum rates of wages have been fixed under this Act, the person or authority appointed by such Government for the supervision and control of employees or where no person or authority is so appointed, the head of the department; (iii) in any scheduled employment under any local authority in respect of which minimum rates of wages have been fixed under this Act, the 1 Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “an Act of the Central Legislature”. 2 Subs. by A.O. 1950, for “Provincial Government”. 3 Ins. by Act 61 of 1986, sec. 23 (w.e.f. 23-12-1986). 4 Subs. by Act 26 of 1954, sec. 2, for “clause (e] of sub-section (1) of section 9 of the Factories Act, 1934 (25 of 1934)” (w.e.f. 20-5-1954) 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 person appointed by such authority for the supervision and control of employees or where no person is so appointed, the chief executive officer of the local authority; (iv) in any other case where there is carried on any scheduled employment in respect of which minimum rates of wages have been fixed under this Act, any person responsible to the owner for the supervision and control of the employees or for the payment of wages; (f) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act; (g) “scheduled employment” means an employment specified in the Schedule, or any process or branch of work forming part of such employment; (h) “wages” means all remuneration, capable of being expressed in terms of money, which would, if the terms of the contract of employment, express or implied, were fulfilled, be payable to a person employed in respect of his employment or of work done in such employment 1[and includes house rent allowance], but does not include— (i) the value of (a) any house accommodation, supply of light, water, medical attendance, or (b) any other amenity or any service excluded by general or special order of the appropriate Government; (ii) any contribution paid by the employer to any Pension Fund or Provident Fund or under any scheme of social insurance; (iii) any travelling allowance or the value of any traveling concession; (iv) any sum paid to the person employed to defray special expenses entailed on him by the nature of his employment; or (v) any gratuity payable on discharge; (i) “employee” means any person who is employed for hire or reward to do any work, skilled or unskilled, manual or clerical, in a scheduled employment in respect of which minimum rates of wages have been fixed; and includes an out-worker to whom any articles or materials are given out by another person to be made up, cleaned, washed, altered, ornamented, finished, repaired, adapted or otherwise processed for sale 1 Ins. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). for the purposes of the trade or business of that other person where the process is to be carried out either in the home of the out-worker or in some other premises not being premises under the control and management of that other person; and also includes an employee declared to be an employee by the appropriate Government; but does not include any member of the Armed Forces of the 1[Union]. Cas e Law (i) A detective agency is not covered under the provisions of this Act. There is no logic that when the employees as engaged through the detective agency worked in an engineering industry, the employer is liable to pay the minimum wages but when the same employees engaged by the detective agency are on private duty, they arc not entitled to such minimum wages. Hence, no relief could be granted, either against the contractor or the principal employer, Linge Gowda Detective and Security Chamber (P) Ltd. v. Authority under Minimum Wages Act, 1998 LTR 77. (ii) The definition of “employer” is a restrictive definition and only a person who employs one or more employees in any scheduled employment would be the employer within the meaning of the Act and no doubt it includes the employees as detailed in the various sub-clauses of section 2(e); A.V. Parkash v. Senior Labour Inspector, 1994 LLR 304 (Karn). (iii) A piece-rated worker is also entitled to receive the minimum wages irrespective of his output; Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India, (1984) SCC (L&S) 389. (iv) Where certain tube-well operators were working in the District and Taluka Panchayats they would be in the Scheduled employment as contemplated by section 2(g), employment under any local authority being item 6 in the Schedule to the Act, and as such, would be entitled to minimum wages under the Act; Patel Ishwerbhai Pramod Bhai v. Taluka Development Officer, 1983 Lab 1C 321: (1983) 1 SCC 403: 1983 (62) FJR 189: (1983) 1 LLJ 237. (v) Any payment which partakes the nature of lay-off compensation cannot fall within the term “wages” as defined in section 2(h); Madhya Pradesh Bidi Udyog Sangh, Sagar v. State of Madhya Pradesh, 1981 Lab 1C 363: 1981 Lab LN 434: (1981) LLJ 756. 1 Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for “Crown”. 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 (vi) Having regard to the context and object of the Act, a discharged employee must also be held to be an employee within the meaning of the Act; Athni Municipality v. Shiettappa Laxman Pattan, (1965) II LLJ 307. (vii)Under the definition of the word “employer” in section 2(e)(iv) of the Act , any person responsible to the owner for the supervision and control of the employees or for the payment of wages to them is also an employer; Shiv Prasad Ghosh v. District Judge, 1963 (6) FJR 447: (1963) II LLR.) 384. (viii)An ex-employee is competent to claim relief under the Minimum Wages Act; Chacko v. Varkey 1961 (3) FLR 508: 1961-62 (21) FJR 493. 3. Fixing of minimum rates of wages.— 1[(1)The appropriate Government shall, in the manner hereinafter provided,— 2[(a) fix the minimum rates of wages payable to employees employed in an employment specified in Part I or Part 11 of the Schedule and in an employment added to either Part by notification under section 27: Provided that the appropriate Government may, in respect of employees employed in an employment specified in Part II of the Schedule, instead of fixing minimum rates of wages under this clause for the whole State, fix such rates for a part of the State or for any specified class or classes of such employment in the whole State or part thereof;] (b) review at such intervals, as it may think fit, such intervals not exceeding five years, the minimum rates of wages so fixed and revise the minimum rates, if necessary: 3[Provided that where for any reason the appropriate Government has not reviewed the minimum rates of wages fixed by it in respect of any scheduled employment within any interval of five years, nothing contained in this clause shall be deemed to prevent it from reviewing the minimum rates after the expiry of the said period of five years and revising them, if necessary, and until they are so revised the minimum rates in force immediately before the expiry of the said period of five years shall continue in force.] (1A)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the appropriate Government may refrain from fixing minimum rates of wages in respect of any scheduled employment in which there are in the whole State less 1 Subs. by Act 26 of 1954, sec. 3, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 20-5-1954). 2 Subs. by Act 31 of 1961, sec. 2, for da use (.1) w.e.f. 28-8-1961) 3 Ins. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 3 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). than one thousand employees engaged in such employment, but if at any time, 1[***| the appropriate Government comes to a finding after such inquiry, as it may make or cause to be made in this behalf, that the number of employees in any scheduled employment in respect of which it has refrained from fixing minimum rates of wages has risen to one thousand or more, it shall fix minimum rates of wages payable to employees in such employment 2[as soon as may be after such finding].] (2) The appropriate Government may fix— (a) a minimum rate of wages for time work (hereinafter referred to as ‘a minimum time rate’); (b) a minimum rate of wages for piece work (hereinafter referred to as ‘a minimum piece rate’); (c) a minimum rate of remuneration to apply in the case of employees employed on piece work for the purpose of securing to such employees a minimum rate of wages on a time work basis (hereinafter referred to as ‘a guaranteed time rate’); (d) a minimum rate (whether a time rate or a piece rate) to apply in substitution for the minimum rate which would otherwise be applicable, in respect of overtime work done by employees (hereinafter referred to as ‘overtime rate’). 3[(2A) Where in respect of an industrial dispute relating to the rates of wages payable to any of the employees employed in a scheduled employment, any proceeding is pending before a Tribunal or National Tribunal under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 (14 of 1947) or before any like authority under any other law, for the time being in force, or an award made by any Tribunal, National Tribunal or such authority is in operation, and a notification fixing or revising the minimum rates of wages in respect of the scheduled employment is issued during the pendency of such proceeding or the operation of the award, then, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the minimum rates of wages so fixed or so revised shall not apply to those employees during the period in which the proceeding is pending and the award made therein is in operation or, as the case may 1 Certain words omitted by Act 31 of( 1961, see. 2 (w.e.f. 28-8-1961). 2 Subs, by Act 31 of 1961, sec. 2, for “within one year from the date on which it comes to such finding” (w.e.f. 28-8-1961). 3 Ins. by Act 31 of 1961, sec. 2 (w.e.f. 28-8-1961], 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 be, where the notification is issued during the period of operation of an award, during that period; and where such proceeding or award relates to the rates of wages payable to all the employees in the scheduled employment, no minimum rates of wages shall be fixed or revised in respect of that employment during the said period.] (3) In fixing or revising minimum rates of wages under this section,— (a) different minimum rates of wages may be fixed for— (i) different scheduled employments; (ii) different classes of work in the same scheduled employment; (iii) adults, adolescents, children and apprentices; (iv) different localities; 1[(b)minimum rates of wages may be fixed by any one or more of the following wage-periods, namely:— (i) by the hour, (ii) by the day, (iii) by the month, or (iv) by such other larger wage-period as may be prescribed, and where such rates are fixed by the day or by the month, the manner of calculating wages for a month or for a day, as the case may be, may be indicated:] Provided that where any wage-periods have been fixed under section 4 of the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 (4 of 1936), minimum wages shall be fixed in accordance therewith. Case Law (i) The Govt. cannot take shelter under proviso to sec, 3(1)(b) of the Act for postponing to issue the revised notification after five years. The Govt. cannot indefinitely postpone the issuance of revised notification fixing minimum wages. Definitely, the period of 13 years cannot be said to be reasonable period; President, Cinema Workers’ Union affiliated to Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh v. Secretary, Social Welfare and Labour Department, 2005 LLR 648. (ii) Where a notification by itself does not intend to make any classification of workmen except classification for fixing minimum rates of wages for adult employees, it was held that such classification is permissible in law, and 1 Subs. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 3, for clause (b) (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). accordingly such notification is not bad or invalid; Govind Bhawan Karyalaya v. State of U.P., 1998 LLR 287. (iii) The appropriate authorities should take into consideration the components such as children education allowance, medical requirements, minimum recreation, provision for old age and marriage, etc., which should be additional 25% of the total minimum wages; The Workmen v. Management of Reptakos Bret & Co. Ltd., 1992 LLR 1 (SC). (iv) The minimum wages must be paid by the employer notwithstanding the want of financial capacity; Woolcombers of India v. Workers Union, AIR 1973 SC 2758: 197,3 (27) FLR 38. (v) In order to make the wages realistic they must be commensurate with the price rise in essential commodities. The apology that the employer may be constrained to shut his business if minimum wages are to be paid is simply untenable; Hydro (Engineers) Put. Ltd. v. The Workmen, 1969 (18) FLR 189: (1969) 1 LLJ 713. (vi) Section 3 empowers the appropriate Government to fix the minimum rates of wages, thereby enabling the appropriate Government to alter the existing legal condition between the employer and employee which is not commensurate with the provisions of the Act; Bidi, Bidi Leaves and Tobacco Merchants Association v. State of Bombay, 1962 (4) FLR 71: (1961) II LLJ 663. (vii)Employer’s capacity to pay is no bearing in fixing the minimum wages of the employees. Such consideration is antilogs to the principles enshrined within the Constitution of India; Unichoyi (U) v. State of Kerala, 1961 (3) FLR 73: (1961) 1 LL] 631. (viii)The Act does not confer any power on the government to insist that an employer employing workers on time rate should pay them at piece-rates. Neither the government has any power to issue any notification on the basis of section 3 to make such metamorphosis of payment; Abraham v. Industrial Tribunal, (1961) II LLJ 556. (ix) Cost of living index is not a strict basis for fixing the rates of minimum wages and if not strictly adhered to, it does not constitute a breach of statutory duty; Bhikusa Yamasakshatriya v. Sanagmanes Akola Paluka Bidi Kamgar Union, AIR 1960 Bom 299: (1959) II LLJ 578. 4. Minimum rate of wages.— 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 (1) Any minimum rate of wages fixed or revised by the appropriate Government in respect of scheduled employments under section 3 may consist of— (i) a basic rate of wages and a special allowance at a rate to be adjusted, at such intervals and in such manner as the appropriate Government may direct, to accord as nearly as practicable with the variation in the cost of living index number applicable to such workers (hereinafter referred to as the ‘cost of living allowance’); or (ii) a basic rate of wages with or without the cost of living allowance, and the cash value of the concessions in respect of supplies of essential commodities at concession rates, where so authorised; or (iii) an all-inclusive rate allowing for the basic rate, the cost of living allowance and the cash value of the concessions, if any. (2) The cost of living allowance and the cash value of the concessions in respect of supplies of essential commodities at concession rates shall be computed by the competent authority at such intervals and in accordance with such directions as may be specified or given by the appropriate Government. Case Law Section 4 is a definite indication that basic wage is an integral part of the minimum wage. It is not correct to say that a minimum wage under section 4(1) necessarily should consist of basic wage and dearness allowance. The language of section 4 does not lend itself to such an interpretation. On the plain terms of section 4(1) it is clear that the payment of dearness allowance would arise only if the basic wage fixed for a category of workmen fell short of the minimum wage which the State Government has to fix taking into consideration the needs of the workers’ family consisting of three consumption units; Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, Bangalore v. State of Karnataka, 1986 Lab 1C 1890: LLR 1986 Kant 2183. 1[5. Procedure for fixing and revising minimum wages.— 1 Subs. by Act 30 of 1157, sec. 4, for section 5 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). (1) In fixing minimum rates of wages in respect of any scheduled employment for the first time under this Act or in revising minimum rates of wages so fixed, the appropriate Government shall either— (a) appoint as many committees and sub-committees as it considers necessary to hold enquiries and advise it in respect of such fixation or revision, as the case may be, or (b) by notification in the Official Gazette, publish its proposals for the information of persons likely to be affected thereby and specify a date, not less than two months from the date of the notification, on which the proposals will be taken into consideration. (2) After considering the advice of the committee or committees appointed under clause (a) of sub-section (1), or as the case may be, all representations received by it before the date specified in the notification under clause (b) of that sub-section, the appropriate Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, fix, or, as the case may be, revise the minimum rates of wages in respect of each scheduled employment, and unless such notification otherwise provides, it shall come into force on the expiry of three months from the date of its issue: Provided that where the appropriate Government proposes to revise the minimum rates of wages by the mode specified in clause (b) of sub- section (1), the appropriate Government shall consult the Advisory Board also.] Case Law (i) The State issued a notification to pay separate allowance in addition to the basic wages, which was not challenged as to its validity by the appellants. Held, they have to pay the ‘wages’ now being paid and in addition to that the minimum rate of “cost of living allowance” is to be paid by them separately, as per the notification, even if they are paying higher rate of wages; Krishna Flour Mills v. Commissioner of Labour, 1997 (77) FLR 241. (ii) What is contemplated by the Act to be notified under section 5(i)(b) is no doubt draft proposals. The objection to draft proposals can be made both by employers and employees as well. Thus, if the employees had exercised their privilege to represent and ask for higher wages and if eventually the State authorities had adopted higher rates of minimum wages, that cannot be found 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 fault with; T.G. Lakshmaiah Setty & Sons, Adoni v. State of Andhra Pradesh, 1981 Lab 1C 690. (iii) It is necessary that the appropriate Government in issuing notifications for prescribing the rates of minimum wages under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, punctiliously follows the letter of law and strictly complies with all the procedures laid down in the Act; Bijay Unchana Paul v. State of Assam, 1969 (19) FLR 11. 6. Advisory committees and sub-committees.—[Rep. by the Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act, 1957 (30 of 1957), sec. 5 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957).] 7. Advisory Board.—For the purpose of coordinating the work of 1[committees and subcommittees appointed under section 5] and advising the appropriate Government generally in the matter of fixing and revising minimum rates of wages, the appropriate Government shall appoint an Advisory Board. 8. Central Advisory Board.— (1) For the purpose of advising the Central and 2[State Governments] in the matters of the fixation and revision of minimum rates of wages and other matters under this Act and for coordinating the work of the Advisory Board, the Central Government shall appoint a Central Advisory Board. (2) The Central Advisory Board shall consist of persons to be nominated by the Central Government representing employers and employees in the scheduled employments, who shall be equal in number, and independent persons not exceeding one-third of its total number of members; one of such independent persons shall be appointed the Chairman of the Board by the Central Government. 9. Composition of committees, etc.—Batch of the committees, sub-committees 3[***] and the Advisory Board shall consist of persons to be nominated by the appropriate Government representing employers and employees in the scheduled employments, who shall be equal in number, and independent 1 Subs. by Act 30 of 1957 sec. 6, for “committees, sub-committees, advisory committees and advisory sub-committees appointed under sections 5 and 6” (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 2 Subs. by A.O. 1950 for “Provincial Governments”. 3 The words “advisory committees, advisory sub-committees” omitted by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 7(w.e.f. 17-9-1957). persons not exceeding one third of its total number of members; one of such independent persons shall be appointed the Chairman by the appropriate Government. Case Law (i) The Advisory body has no functioning of quasi-judicial nature and their recommendation/decision is not binding on the State Government but the same remains only a recommendation and nothing more than that. Merely because one member of the Board was extra, the recommendation of the Advisory Board would not be vitiated; Chakradharpur Bidi and Tobacco Merchants Association v. Stale of Bihar, 1997 (77) FLR 339. (ii) The term “independent persons” is used in contradiction to the words “persons representing employers and employees in the scheduled employment”. Therefore, the term contemplates neither the category of employers nor the employees. Also there is no reason to think that Government employees are excluded; Government of India v. Barium Chemicals Ltd., 1985 Lab 1C 1634: AIR 1985 SC 1351: 1985 (67) FJR 157: 1985 (51) FLR 256. (iii) The variety of expression of the term “independent persons” in section 9 is that it has the condition of being auto-cephalous. Therefore, the provisions of the Act do not prescribe that a government servant cannot be a member of the Advisory Board or that if he is a member he cannot be considered to be an “independent person” within the meaning of section 9; Ramkrishna Ramnath v. State of Maharashtra, 1963 (7) FLR 373: (1963) II LLJ 458. 1[10. Correction of errors.— (1) The appropriate Government may, at any time, by notification in the Official Gazette, correct clerical or arithmetical mistakes in any order fixing or revising minimum rates of wages under this Act, or errors arising therein from any accidental slip or omission. (2) Every such notification shall; as soon as may be after it is issued, be placed before the Advisory Board for information.] 11. Wages in kind.— 1 Subs. by Act 30 of 1957, sec 8. for section 10 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957) 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 (1) Minimum wages payable under this Act shall be paid in cash. (2) Where it has been the custom to pay wages wholly or partly in kind, the appropriate Government being of the opinion that it is necessary in the circumstances of the case may, by notification in the Official Gazette, authorise the payment of minimum wages either wholly or partly in kind. (3) If the appropriate Government is of the opinion that provision should be made for the supply of essential commodities at concessional rates, the appropriate Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, authorise the provision of such supplies at concessional rates. (4) The cash value of wages in kind and of concessions in respect of supplies of essential commodities at concessional rates authorised under sub-sections (2) and (3) shall be estimated in the prescribed manner. 12. Payment of minimum rates of wages.— (1) Where in respect of any scheduled employment a notification under section 5 1[***] is in force, the employer shall pay to every employee engaged in a scheduled employment under him wages at a rate not less than the minimum rate of wages fixed by such notification for that class of employees in that employment without any deductions except as may be authorised within such time and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed. (2) Nothing contained in this section shall affect the provisions of the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 (4 of 1936). Case Law (i) Once a contractor’s establishment is covered under the Minimum Wages Act, the employees engaged through the contractor shall be entitled to the wages as fixed under the Act; Militant Security Bureau Put. Ltd. v. B.R. Hehar, (1991) 2 CLK 245 (Bom). (ii) Where a person provides labour or service to another for remuneration which is less than the minimum wages, such labour is “forced labour” within the meaning of article 23 of the Constitution and thereby entitles the person to invoke article 32 or article 226 of the Constitution of India; Union for 1 The words “or section 10” omitted by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 9 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). Democratic Rights v. Union of India; 1982 Lab 1C It46: 1982 (45) FLR 140: 1983 (62) FJR 1. 13. Fixing hours for normal working day, etc.— 1[(1)] In regard to any scheduled employment minimum rates of wages in respect of which have been fixed under this Act, (he appropriate Government may— (a) fix the number of hours of work which shall constitute a normal working day, inclusive of one or more specified intervals; (b) provide for a day of rest in every period of seven days which shall be allowed to all employees or to any specified class of employees and for the payment of remuneration in respect of such days of rest; (c) provide for payment for work on a day of rest at a rate not less than the overtime rate. 2[(2)The provisions of sub-section (1) shall, in relation to the following classes of employees, apply only to such extent and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed:— (a) employees engaged on urgent work, or in any emergency which could not have been foreseen or prevented; (b) employees engaged in work in the nature of preparatory or complementary work which must necessarily be carried on outside the limits laid down for the general working in the employment concerned; (c) employees whose employment is essentially intermittent; (d) employees engaged in any work which for technical reasons has to be completed before the duty is over; (e) employees engaged in a work which could not be carried on except at times dependant on the irregular action of natural forces. (3) For the purposes of clause (c) of sub-section (2), employment of an employee is essentially intermittent when it is declared to be so by the appropriate Government on the ground that the daily hours of duty of the employee, or if here be no daily hours of duty as such for the employee, the hours of duty, normally include periods of inaction during which the 1 Section 13 re-numbered as sub-section (1) of that section by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 10 (w.e.f 17- 9-1957). 2 Added by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 10 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957) 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 employee may be on duty but is not called upon to display either physical activity or sustained attention.] 14. Overtime.— (1) Where an employee, whose minimum rate of wages is fixed under this Act by the hour, by the day or by such a longer wage-period as may be prescribed, works on any day in excess of the number of hours constituting a normal working day, the employer shall pay him for every hour or for part of an hour so worked in excess at the overtime rate fixed under this Act or under any law of the appropriate Government for the time being in force, whichever is higher. (2) Nothing in this Act shall prejudice the operation of the provisions of 1[section 59 of the Factories Act, 1948 (63 of 1948)] in any case where those provisions are applicable. Case Law Section 14 provides for payment of overtime only to those employees who are getting minimum rate of wages under the Act. It does not apply to those getting better wages under other Statutory Rules; Municipal Council, Hatta v. Bhagat Singh, 1998 LLR 298. 15. Wages of worker who works for less than normal working day.—If an employee whose minimum rate of wages has been fixed under this Act by the day works on any day on which he was employed for a period of less than the requisite number of hours constituting a normal working day, he shall, save as otherwise here in after provided, be entitled to receive wages in respect of work done by him on that day as if he had worked for a full normal working day; Provided, however, that he shall not be entitled to receive wages for a full normal working day— (i) in any case where his failure to work is caused by his unwillingness to work and not by the omission of the employer to provide him with work, and (ii) in such other cases and circumstances as may be prescribed. 1 Subs. by Act 26 of 1954, sec. 4, for “section 47 of the Factories Act, 1934 (25 of 1934)” (w.e.f. 20-5-1954). 16. Wages for two or more classes of work.—Where an employee does two or more classes of work to each of which a different minimum rate of wages is applicable, the employer shall pay to such employee in respect of the time respectively occupied in each such class of work, wages at not less than the minimum rate in force in respect of each such class. 17. Minimum time rate wages for piece work.—Where an employee is employed on piece work for which minimum time rate and not a minimum piece rate has been fixed under this Act, the employer shall pay to such employee wages at not less than the minimum time rate. 18. Maintenance of registers and records.— (1) Every employer shall maintain such registers and records giving such particulars of employees employed by him, the work performed by them, the wages paid to them, the receipts given by them and such other particulars and in such form as may be prescribed. (2) Every employer shall keep exhibited, in such manner as may be prescribed, in the factory, workshop or place where the employees in the scheduled employment may be employed, or in the case of out workers, in such factory, workshop or place as may be used for giving out-work to them, notices in the prescribed form containing prescribed particulars. (3) The appropriate Government may, by rules made under this Act, provide for the issue of wage books or wage slips to employees employed in any scheduled employment in respect of which minimum rates of wages have been fixed and prescribe the manner in which entries shall be made and authenticated in such wage books or wage slips by the employer or his agent. Case Law Every employer, including a contractor who engages labourers for others who owns the establishment/factory, etc., is bound by the provisions of this Act, to comply with the requirement of maintaining Registers etc., There is no exemption to this mandatory obligation of the employer including any contractor; V. V. Surya Rau v. Surendra Ramkrishna Tendulkar, 1997 (77) FLR 280. 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 19. Inspectors.— (1) The appropriate Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint such persons as it thinks fit to be Inspectors for the purposes of this Act and define the local limits within which they shall exercise their functions. (2) Subject to any rules made in this behalf, an Inspector may, within the local limits for which he is appointed— (a) enter, at all reasonable hours, with such assistants (if any), being persons in the service of the 1[Government] or any local or other public authority, as he thinks fit, any premises or place where employees are employed or work is given out to out-workers in any scheduled employment in respect of which minimum rates of wages have been fixed under this Act, for the purpose of examining any register, record of wages or notices required to be kept or exhibited by or under this Act or rules made thereunder, and require the production thereof for inspection; (b) examine any person whom he finds in any such premises or place and who, he has reasonable cause to believe, is an employee employed therein or an employee to whom work is given out therein; (c) require any person giving out-work and any out-workers, to give any information, which is in his power to give, with respect to the names and addresses of the persons to, for and from whom the work is given out or received, and with respect to the payments to be made for the work; 1[(d)seize or take copies of such register, record of wages or notices or portions thereof as he may consider relevant in respect of an offence under this Act which he has reason to believe has been committed by an employer; and] (e) exercise such other powers as may be prescribed. (3) Every inspector shall be deemed to be a public servant within the meaning of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860). 2[(4)Any person required to produce any document or thing or to give any information by an Inspector under sub-section (2) shall be deemed to be 1 Subs. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 11, for clause (d) (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 2 Ins. by Act 3(1 of 1957, sec. 11 (w.e.f 17-9-1957). legally bound to do so within the meaning of section 175 and section 176 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).] 20. Claims.— (1) The appropriate Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint 1[any Commissioner for Workmen’s Compensation or any Officer of the Central Government exercising functions as a Labour Commissioner for any region, or any officer of the State Government not below the rank of Labour Commissioner or any) other officer with experience as a Judge of a Civil Court or as a stipendiary Magistrate to be the authority to hear and decide for any specified area all claims arising out of payment of less than the minimum rates of wages 2[or in respect of the payment of” remuneration for days of rest or for work done on such days under clause (b) or clause (c) of sub-section (1) of section 13 or of wages at the overtime rate under section 14], to employees employed or paid in that area, (2) 3[Where an employee has any claim of the nature referred to in sub-section (1)], the employee himself, or any legal practitioner or any official of a registered trade union authorised in writing to act on his behalf, or any Inspector, or any person acting with the permission of the Authority appointed under sub-section (1), may apply to such Authority for a direction under sub-section (3): Provided that every such application shall be presented within six months from the date on which the minimum wages 4[or other amount] became payable: Provided further that any application may be admitted after the said period of six months when the applicant satisfies the Authority that he had sufficient cause for not making the application within such period. 5[(3)When any application under sub-section (2) is entertained, the Authority shall hear the applicant and the employer, or give them an opportunity of 1 Subs. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 12, for “any Commissioner for Workmen’s Compensation or” (w.e.f. 17-9-1357). 2 Ins. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 12 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 3 Subs. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 12, for certain words {w.e. f. 17-9-1957). 4 Ins. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 12 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 5 Subs. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 12, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 being heard, and after such further inquiry, if any, as it may consider necessary, may without prejudice to any other penalty to which the employer may be liable under this Act, direct— (i) in the case of a claim arising out of payment of less than the minimum rates of wages, the payment to the employee of (the amount by which the minimum wages payable to him exceed the amount actually paid, together with the payment of such compensation as the authority may think fit, not exceeding ten times the amount of such excess; (ii) in any other case, the payment of the amount due to the employee, together with the payment of such compensation as the Authority may think fit, not exceeding ten rupees, and the Authority may direct payment of such compensation in cases where the excess or the amount due is paid by the employer to the employee before the disposal of the application.] (4) If the authority hearing any application under this section is satisfied that it was either malicious or vexatious, it may direct that a penalty not exceeding fifty rupees be paid to the employer by the person presenting the application. (5) Any amount directed to be paid under this section may be recovered— (a) if the authority is a Magistrate, by the Authority as if it were a fine imposed by the Authority as a Magistrate, or (b) if the Authority is not a Magistrate, by any Magistrate to whom the Authority makes application in this behalf, as if it were a fine imposed by such Magistrate, (6) Every direction of the Authority under this section shall be final. (7) Every Authority appointed under sub-section (1) shall have all the powers of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), for the purpose of taking evidence and of enforcing the attendance of witnesses and compelling the production of documents, and every such Authority shall be deemed to be a Civil Court for all the purposes of section 195 and Chapter XXXV of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898). Case Law (i) Claim of arrears of differential wages made by employee. There was delay in filing application beyond limitation period. Claimant submitted that they were pursuing their grievance before Labour Officer- Only when they failed, they approached, the authority. Held that delay had been rightly condoned; Executive Engineer, Rural Works Division, Mayurbhanj v. Addl. District Magistrate, Mayurbhanj, 2005 LLR 121. (ii) An order imposing a monetary liability caused by violation of provisions of a statute cannot be upheld except in the presence of strict proof; Premier Tobacco Packers (P) Ltd. v Assistant Labour Officer, 1988 Lab 1C 283 (AP- HC): 1988-1 LLN 743. (iii) While making the enquiry into the claim petition under section 20 of the Act, the. authority acts in quasi-judicial capacity and ipsofacto should ensure that no prejudice is caused to the employer by failure to follow the rules of natural justice; B. Ramdas v. The Authority under Minimum Wages Act, Guntur Region, Guntur, 1987 Lab 1C 1493: 1987-2 APLJ (HC) 137. (iv) The minimum wages becoming payable can be claimed by an application presented within six months from the date on which it became payable and if presented after the expiry of the period of limitation, the applicant has to satisfy the authority that he had sufficient cause for not making the application within such period; Awadh Lal Sah v. State of Bihar 1984 Lab 1C 169 (Pat HC).

(v) Where a period of limitation is prescribed by section 20 of [he Act, power of the authority is coupled with the privilege to condone delay, the delay has to be explained and sufficient cause shown just opposite under section 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963; Sri Gandhian Bus Service Chingleput v. Labour Court, (1964) I LLJ 709. 21. Single application in respect of a number of employees.— (1) 1[Subject to such rules as may be prescribed, a single application] may be presented under section 20 on behalf or in respect of any number of employees employed in the scheduled employment in respect of which minimum rates of wages have been fixed and in such cases the maximum compensation which may be awarded under sub-section (3) of section 20 shall not exceed ten times the aggregate amount of such excess 2[or ten rupees per head, as the case may be]. 1 Subs. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 13, for ‘A single application’ (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 2 Ins. by Act 30 of 1957, set. 13 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 (2) The Authority may deal with any number of separate pending applications presented under section 20 in respect of employees in the scheduled employments in respect of which minimum rates of wages have been fixed, as a single application presented under sub-section (1) of this section and the provisions of that sub-section shall apply accordingly. 1[22. Penalties for certain offences.—Any employer who— (a) pays to any employee less than the minimum rates of wages fixed for that employee’s class of work, or less than the amount due to him under the provisions of this Act; or (b) contravenes any rule or order made under section 13, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or with both: Provided that in imposing any fine for an offence under this section, the court shall take into consideration the amount of any compensation already awarded against the accused in any proceedings taken under section 20.] 2[22A. General provision for punishment of other offences.—Any employer who contravenes any provision of this Act or of any rule or order made thereunder shall, if no other penalty is provided for such contravention by this Act, be punishable- with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.] 3[22B. Cognizance of offences.— (1) No court shall take cognizance of a complaint against any person for an offence— (a) under clause (a) of section 22 unless an application in respect of the facts constituting such offence has been presented under section 20 and has been granted wholly or in part, and the appropriate Government or an officer authorised by it in this behalf has sanctioned the making of the complaint; (b) under clause (b) of section 22 or under section 22A, except on a complaint made by, or with the sanction of, an Inspector. 1 Subs. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 14, for section 22 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 2 Ins. by Act 3D of 1957, ser. 14 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 3 Ins. by Act 3D of 1957, ser. 14 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). (2) No court shall take cognizance of an offence— (a) under clause (a) or clause (b) of section 22, unless complaint thereof is made within one month of the grant of sanction under this section; (b) under section 22A, unless complaint thereof is made within six months of the date on which the offence is alleged to have been committed.] 1[22C. Offences by companies.— (1) If the person committing any offence under this Act is a company, every person who at the time the offence was committed, was incharge of, and was responsible to, the company for the conduct of the business of the company as well as the company shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly: Provided that nothing contained in this Hub-section shall render any such person liable to any punishment provided in this Act if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge or that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence. (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), where any offence under this Act has been committed by a company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary or other officer of the company shall also be deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly. Explanation.—For the purposes of this section— (a) “company” means any body corporate and includes a firm or other association of individuals; and (b) “director” in relation to a firm means a partner in the firm.] 2[22D. Payment of undisbursed amounts due to employees.—All amounts payable by an employer to an employee as the amount of minimum wages of the employee under this Act or otherwise due to the employee under this Act 1 Ins. by Act 3D of 1957, ser. 14 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 2 Ins. by Act 3D of 1957, ser. 14 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 or any rule or order made thereunder shall, if such amounts could not or cannot be paid to the employee on account of his death before payment or on account of his whereabouts not being known, be deposited with the prescribed authority who shall deal with the money so deposited in such manner as may be prescribed.] 1 [22E. Protection against attachment of assets of employer with Government.—Any amount deposited with the appropriate Government by an employer to secure the due performance of a contract with that Government and any other amount due to such employer from that Government in respect of such contract shall not be liable to attachment under any decree or order of any court in respect of any debt or liability incurred by the employer other than any debt or liability incurred by the employer towards any employee employed in connection with the contract aforesaid.] 2 [22F. Application of Payment of Wages Act, 1936 to scheduled employments.— (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 (4 of 1936), the appropriate Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that, subject to the provisions of sub-section (2), all or any of the provisions of the said Act shall, with such modifications, if any, as may be specified in the notification, apply to wages payable to employees in such scheduled employment as may be specified in the notification. (2) Where all or any of the provisions of the said Act are applied to wages payable to employees in any scheduled employment under sub-section (1), the Inspector appointed under this Act shall be deemed to be the Inspector to the purpose of enforcement of the provisions so applied within the local limits of his jurisdiction.] 23. Exemption of employer from liability in certain cases.—Where an employer is charged with an offence against this Act, he shall be entitled, 1 Ins. by Act 30 of 1957, sec 14 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 2 Ins. by Act 30 of 1957, sec 14 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). upon complaint duly made by him, to have any other person whom he charges as the actual offender, brought before the Court at the time appointed for hearing the charge; and if, after the commission of the offence has been proved, the employer proves to the satisfaction of the Court— (a) that he has used due diligence to enforce the execution of this Act; and (b) that the said other person committed the offence in question without his knowledge, consent or connivance, that other person shall be convicted of the offence and shall be liable to the like punishment as if he were the employer and the employer shall be discharged: Provided that in seeking to prove, as aforesaid, the employer may be examined on oath, and the evidence of the employer or his witness, if any, shall be subject to cross-examination by or on behalf of the person whom the employer charges as the actual offender and by the prosecution. 24. Bar of suits.—No Court shall entertain any suit for the recovery of wages in so far as the sum so claimed— (a) forms the subject of an application under section 20 which has been presented by or on behalf of the plaintiff; or (b) has formed the subject of a direction under that section in favour of the plaintiff; or (c) has been adjudged in any proceeding under that section not to be due to the plaintiff; or (d) could have been recovered by an application under that section. 25. Contracting out.—Any contract or agreement, whether made before or after the commencement of this Act, whereby an employee either relinquishes or reduces his right to a minimum rate of wages or any privilege or concession accruing to him under this Act shall be null and void in so far as it purports to reduce the minimum rate of wages fixed under this Act. 26. Exemptions and exceptions.— (1) The appropriate Government may, subject to such conditions, if any, as it may think fit to impose, direct that the provisions of this Act shall not apply in relation to the wages payable to disabled employees. 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 (2) The appropriate Government may, if for special reasons it thinks so fit, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that 1[subject to such conditions and] for such period as it may specify, the provisions of this Act or any of them shall not apply to all or any class of employees employed in any scheduled employment or to any locality where there is carried on a scheduled employment. 2[(2A) The appropriate Government may, if it is of opinion that, having regard to the terms and conditions of service applicable to any class of employees in a scheduled employment generally or in a scheduled employment in a local area 1] or to any establishment or a part of any establishment in a scheduled employment], it is not necessary to fix minimum wages in respect of such employees of that class 1[or in respect of employees in such establishment or such part of any establishment] as are in receipt of wages exceeding such limit as may be prescribed in this behalf, direct, by notification in the Official Gazette and subject to such conditions, if any, as it may think fit to impose, that the provisions of this Act or any of them shall not apply in relation to such employees.] (3) Nothing in this Act shall apply to the wages payable by an employer to a member of his family who is living with him and is dependant on him. Explanation.—In this sub-section a member of the employer’s family shall be deemed to include his or her spouse or child or parent or brother or sister. Case Law The disabled employee whose quality and quantity of work are not questioned should not be denied dignity of labour by paying them less than the minimum wages merely because they are disabled, more so when the enterprise is run by Govt.; Delhi Administration v. Presiding Officer, 2004 (100) FLR 334. 27. Power of State Government to add to Schedule.—The appropriate Government, after giving by notification in the Official Gazette not less than three months’ notice of its intention so to do, may, by like notification, add to 1 Ins. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 15 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 2 Ins. by Act 26 of 1954, sec. 5 (w.e.f. 20-5-1954). either Part of the Schedule any employment in respect of which it is of opinion that minimum rates of wages should be fixed under this Act, and thereupon the Schedule shall in its application to the 1[State] be deemed to be amended accordingly. Case Law (i) The appropriate Government is enabled to fix the minimum rates of wages payable to the employees employed in an employment specified in Part 1 or Part II of the Schedule or an employment added to either part by notification under section 27; A.V. Prakash v. Senior Labour Inspector, 1994 LLR 304 (Karn). (ii) The detective and security service cannot in any way be linked to any of the scheduled employment detailed in Parts I and II; A.V. Prakash v. Senior Labour Inspector, 1994 LLR 304 (Karn). 28. Power of the Central Government to give directions.—The Central Government may give directions to a 1[State Government] as to the carrying into execution of this Act in the 2[State]. 29. Power of the Central Government to make rules.—The Central Government may, subject to the conditions of previous publication, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules prescribing the term of office of the members, the procedure to be followed in the conduct of business, the method of voting, the manner of filling up casual vacancies in membership and the quorum necessary to the transaction of business of the Central Advisory-Board. 30. Power of appropriate Government to make rules.— (1) The appropriate Government may, subject to the condition of previous publication, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. (2) Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may,— 1 Subs. by A.O. 1950 for “Provincial Government”. 2 Subs. by (the A.O. 1950, for “Province.” 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 (a) prescribe the term of office of the members, the procedure to be followed in the conduct of business, the method of voting, the manner of filling up casual vacancies in membership and the quorum necessary for the transaction of business of the committees, sub- commit tees, 1[***] and the Advisory Board; (b) prescribe the method of summoning witnesses, production of documents relevant to the subject-matter of the enquiry before the committees, sub-committees 2[***] and the Advisory Board; (c) prescribe the mode of computation of the cash value of wages in kind and of concessions in respect of supplies of essential commodities at concessional rates; (d) prescribe the time and conditions of payment of, and the deductions permissible from wages; (e) provide for giving adequate publicity to the minimum rates of wages fixed under this Act; (f) provide for a day of rest in every period sevendays and for the payment of remuneration in respect of such day; (g) prescribe the number of hours of work which shall constitute a normal working day; (h) prescribe the cases and circumstances in which an employee employed for a period of less than the requisite number of hours constituting a normal working day shall not be entitled to receive wages for a full normal working day; (i) prescribe the form of registers and records to be maintained and the particulars to be entered in such registers and records; (j) provide for the issue of wage books and wage slips and prescribe the manner of making and authenticating entries in wage books and wage slips; (k) prescribe the powers of Inspectors for purposes of this Act; (l) regulate the scale of costs that may be allowed in proceedings under section 20; 1 The words “advisory committees, advisory sub-committee’s” omitted by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 16 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). 2 The words “advisory committees, advisory sub-committee’s” omitted by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 16 (w.e.f. 17-9-1957). (m) prescribe the amount of court-fees payable in respect of proceedings under section 20; and (n) provide for any other matter which is to be or may be prescribed. 1[30A. Rules made by the Central Government to be laid before Parliament. 2[(1)] Every rule made by the Central Government under this Act shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made before each House of Parliament while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session in which it is so laid or the session immediately following, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall, thereafter, have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be, so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule], 3[(2) Every rule made by the State Government under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before the State Legislature.] 4[31. Validation of fixation of certain minimum rates of wages.—Where during the period— (a) commencing on the 1st day of April, 1952, and ending with the date of the commencement of the Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act, 1954 (26 of 1954); or (b) commencing on the 31st day of December, 1954, and ending with the date of the commencement of the Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act, 1957 (30 of 1957); or (c) commencing on the 31st day of December, 1959, and ending with the date of the commencement of the Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act, 1961 (31 of 1961), minimum rates of wages have been fixed by an appropriate Government as being payable to employees employed in any 1 Added by Act 31 of 1961, sec. 3 (w.e.f. 28-8-1961). 2 Section 30A renumbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 4 of 2005, sec. 2 and Sch. (w.e.f. 11-1-2005). 3 Ins. by Act 4 of 2005, sec. 2 and Sch. (w.e.f. 11-1-2005). 4 Subs. by Act 31 of 1961, sec. 4, for section 31 (w.e.f. 28-8-1961). Earlier section 31 was inserted by Act 26 of 1954, sec. 6 (w.e.f. 20-5-1954). 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 employment specified in the Schedule in the belief or purported belief that such rates were being fixed under clause (a) of sub-section (!) of section 3, as in force immediately before the commencement of the Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act, 1954 (26 of 1954) or the Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act, 1957 (30 of 1957), or the Minimum Wages (Amendment) Act, 1961 (31 of 1961) as the case may be, such rates shall be deemed to have been fixed in accordance with law and shall not be called in question in any court on the ground merely that the relevant date specified for the purpose in that clause had expired at the time the rates were fixed: Provided that nothing contained in this section shall extend, or be construed to extend, to affect any person with any punishment or penalty whatsoever by reason of the payment by him by way of wages to any of his employees during any period specified in this section of an amount which is less than the minimum rates of wages referred to in this section or by reason of non-compliance during the period aforesaid with any order or rule issued under section 13.] THE SCHEDULE [Sec sections 2(g) and 27] PART I 1. Employment in any woolen carpet making or shawl weaving establishment. 2. Employment in any rice mill, flour mill or dal mill. 3. Employment in any tobacco (including bidi making) manufactory. 4. Employment in any plantation, that is to say, any estate which is maintained to the purpose of growing cinchona, rubber tea or coffee. 5. Employment in any oil mill. 6. Employment under any local authority. 1[7. Employment on the construction or maintenance of roads or in building operations.] 8. Employment in stone breaking or stone crushing. 9. Employment in any lac manufactory. 10. Employment in any mica works. 11. Employment in public motor transport. 12. Employment in tanneries and leather manufactory. 2[Employment in gypsum mines. Employment in barytes mines. Employment in bauxite mines.] 3[Employment in manganese mines.] 4[Employment in the maintenance of buildings and employment in the construction and maintenance of runways.] 5[ Employment in china clay mines. Employment in kyanite mines.] 6[Employment in copper mines] 7[Employment in clay mines covered under the Mines Act, 1952 (35 of 1952).] 1 Subs. by Act 30 of 1957, sec. 18, for item No- 7 (with retrospective effect). 2 Ins. by S.O. 3760, dated 4th December, 1962 (w.e.f. 15-12-1962) 3 Ins. by S.O. 4030, dated 30th October, 1967 (w.e.f. 11-11-1967). 4 Ins. by S.O. 1987, dated 30th May, 1968. 5 Ins. by S.O. 596, dated 5th February, 1970 (w.e.f. 5-2-1970). 6 Ins. by S.O. 795, dated 13th February, 1970. 7 Ins. by S.O. 796, dated 18th February, 1970. 9(3) The Punjab Minimum Wages Rules, 1950 1[Employment in magnesite mines covered under the Mines Act, 1952 (35 of 1952),] 2[Employment in white clay mines.] 3[Employment in stone mines.] 4[Employment in steatite mines (Including the mines producing soapstone soapstone and Talc).] 5[Employment in ochre mines.] 6[Employment in asbestos mines.] 7[Employment in fire clay mines.] 8[Employment in chromite mines.] 9[Employment in quartzite mines Employment in quartz mines Employment in silica mines.] 10[Employment in graphite mines,] 11[Employment in felspar mines.] 12[Employment m laterite mines.] 13[Employment in dolomite mines Employment in redoxide mines.] 14[Employment in wolfram mines.] 15(Employment in iron ore mines.] 16[Employment in granite mines.] 17[Employment in rock phosphate mines.] 1[ Employment in hematite mines.] 1 Ins. by S.O. 2357, dated 1st July, 1970. 2 Ins. by S.O. 3896, dated 3rd September, 1971. 3 Ins. by S.O. 3898, dated 15th September, 1971. 4 Ins. by S.O. 2972, dated 1st July, 1972 (w.e.f. 21-10-1972). 5 Ins. by S.O. 2973, dated 1st July, 1972 (w.e.f. 21-10-1972). 6 Ins. by S.O, 2974, dated 6th. July, 1972 (w.e.f. 21-10-1972). 7 Ins. by S.O. 1587, dated 24th May, 1973. 8 Ins. by S.O. 2311- dated 3rd July, 1975 (w.e.f, 3-7-1975). 9 Ins. by S.O. 807, dated 4th February, 1976. 10 Ins. by S.O. 558, dated 29th January, 1977 (w.e.f. 12-2-1977). 11 Ins. by S.O. 1823, dated 14th June, 1978. 12 Ins. by S.O. 2945, dated 22nd September, 1978. 13 Ins. by S.O. 2950, dated 25th September, 1978 (w.e.f. 7-10-1978). 14 Ins. by S.O. 3671, dated 7th December, 1978 (w.e.f. 23-12-1978). 15 Ins. by S.O. 1757, dated 16th June, 1978 (w.e.f. 28-6-1980). 16 Ins. by S.O. 2473, dated 20th September, 1980 (w.e.f. 23-1-1980). 17 Ins. by S.O. 1824, dated 22nd March, 1983. 2[Employment in loading and unloading in (i) Railways, goods sheds, (ii) Docks and Ports.) 3[Employment in marble and calcite mines.] 4[Employment in Ashpit cleaning in Railways,] 5[Employment in uranium mines.] 6Employment in lignite mines.] 7Employment in gravel mines.) 8Employment in State mines.] 9[Employment in laying of underground cables, electric lines, water supply lines and sewerage pipe lines.] 10[Employment of Sweeping and Cleaning excluding activities prohibited under the Employment of Manual Scavengers and Construction of Dry Latrines (Prohibition) Act, 1993.] PART II 11[Employment in agriculture, that is to say, in any form of farming, including the cultivation and tillage of the soil, ∗dairy farming, the production, cultivation, growing and harvesting of any agricultural or horticultural commodity, the raising of live-stock, bees or poultry, and any practice performed by a farmer on a farm as incidental to or in conjunction with farm operations (including any forestry or imbering operations and the preparation for market and delivery to storage or to market or to carnage for transportation to market of farm produce).] 1 Ins. by S.O. 1957, dated 11th April, 1983 (w.e.f. 23-4-19S3). 2 Ins. by S.O. 2092, dated 24th April, 1983 (w.e.f. 7-5-1983). 3 Ins. by S.O 3455, dated 20th August, 1983. 4 Ins. by S.O. 2093, dated 23rd April, 1983 (w.e.f.. 7-5-1983). 5 Ins. by S.O. 2693, dated 1st August, 1986. 6 Ins. by S.O. 439(E), dated 20th May, 1998. 7 Added by S.O. 1573(E), dated 3rd November, 2005 (w.e.f. 7-11-2005). 8 Added by S.O. 1573(E), dated 3rd November, 2005 (w.e.f. 7-11-2005). 9 Added by S.O. 1573(E), dated 3rd November, 2005 (w.e.f. 7-11-2005). 10 Added by S.O. 1573(E), dated 3rd November, 2005 (w.e.f. 7-11-2005). 11 Subs. by S.R.O. 463, dated 28th February, 1955. ∗ The Central Government has fixed the minimum rates of wages per day per employee which have been given in this volume.