Factories Act 1948 Overview

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Questions and Answers

What year was the Factory Act originally enacted?

1881

Which of the following years did not see an amendment to the Factory Act?

1891

1948

1988 (correct)

1976

The Factory Act 1948 is less comprehensive than its predecessors.

False

What was a significant industrial disaster that raised awareness of pollution and factory hazards?

Bhopal Gas Tragedy Signup and view all the answers

The minimum age to work in factories according to the Factory Act 1948 is _____ years.

14 Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of workers for the Factory Act to apply if power is used?

10 Signup and view all the answers

Industry and factory refer to the same concept.

False Signup and view all the answers

The weekly working hours according to the Factory Act for adults is limited to _____ hours.

48 Signup and view all the answers

In which year was the first Iron and Steel work started in India?

1873 Signup and view all the answers

When did the Factory Act come into existence?

1881 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following years did the Factory Act undergo extensive amendments?

1948 Signup and view all the answers

The Factory Act of 1948 is less comprehensive than the previous acts.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the required minimum age to work in factories according to the Factory Act?

14 years Signup and view all the answers

What significant event in 1984 raised awareness about pollution and factory hazards?

Bhopal Gas Tragedy Signup and view all the answers

Which provisions are included in the Factory Act?

Safety standards Signup and view all the answers

The Factory Act is applicable to all factories employing ____ persons or more when using power.

10 Signup and view all the answers

The first cotton textile factory in India was set up in ____ as early as 1854.

Bombay Signup and view all the answers

Industry and factory are the same in modern terms.

False Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Background of the Factories Act 1948

The Factory Act originated in India in 1881, aiming to regulate working conditions.
This Act covers health, safety, working conditions, and hazardous processes for workers, It also establishes penalties for violations.
Multiple amendments were made to the Act throughout its history, with the most extensive revision occurring in 1948.
The 1948 Act focused on the well-being of workers, including health, safety, welfare, working hours, minimum work age, and paid leave.
It was inspired by the 1937 Factory Act of Great Britain.
The Bhopal Gas Tragedy in 1984 highlighted the severe consequences of factory pollution and hazards, leading to renewed calls for amendments and stricter regulations.
The Act applies to factories with 10 or more employees using power or 20 or more employees without using power.
Key provisions include safety measures, guarding machines, health and cleanliness standards, drinking water, washing facilities, lunch rooms, rest rooms, sitting arrangements, first aid and dispensaries (in factories with over 500 workers), creches (where over 50 women are employed), welfare officers (for factories with over 500 workers), spittoons, paid holidays, weekly working hours (max 48 for adults, 27 for younger persons), regulations for young workers, overtime pay, mandatory rest breaks, working hour limits, and a weekly holiday.
The need for amendments arose due to advancements in safety and health practices, and the influence of ILO conventions.

Evolution of Factories in India

The first cotton textile factory in India was established in Bombay in 1854.
The growth of factories accelerated by 1870, with significant establishments in Bombay, Nagpur, Kanpur, and Madras.
The first Iron & Steelwork opened in Bihar in 1873, and jute spinning mills were established in Rishra in 1855.
Bengal had 5,000 power looms in operation by 1881, while the Bally Paper mills were set up in Hoogly in 1870.
Several tanneries and leather factories also emerged in Kanpur, contributing to the rise of factory employment in India.

Early Labor Conditions and Reform Calls

The rapid industrialization led to concerns about worker exploitation, including the employment of women and children at young ages, excessive working hours, hazardous and unsanitary conditions.
While calls for protective labor laws emerged as early as 1850, the British government took little action despite existing factory legislation in Great Britain at the time.
Social reformers, including Sorabjee Shahpurjee Bengali, raised concerns about the plight of workers.
Sasipad Bannerjee established the Bara Bazar organization in 1878 to advocate for the welfare of jute mill workers.

Historical Background of the Factories Act 1948

The Factories Act is a central legislation in India, first enacted in 1881, regulating working conditions in factories.
It focuses on health, safety, working hours, minimum age, leave with pay, and other aspects of workers' lives.
The Act has undergone numerous amendments, most notably in 1948, which expanded its scope and took inspiration from the 1937 Factory Act in Britain.

Key Provisions

The Act applies to factories using power and employing 10 or more workers.
In factories without power, the threshold is 20 workers.
Main provisions include:
- Safety measures: Guarding machinery, maintaining clean and healthy environments.
- Basic facilities: Providing drinking water, washing and latrine facilities, lunch rooms, rest rooms.
- Welfare facilities: First aid and dispensary for factories employing more than 500 workers, creches for workplaces with over 50 women, and welfare officers for factories with over 500 workers.
- Other provisions: Stipulating working hours, providing rest periods, regulating overtime work, and ensuring weekly holidays with pay based on days worked.

Early Industrial Development and Emergence of Factory Legislation

India's industrialization began in the mid-19th century.
The first cotton textile factory was established in Bombay in 1854.
The growth of factories in various industries led to significant employment and a need for protective regulations.

Early Concerns about Worker Welfare

The rapid industrialization exposed workers to hazardous conditions and long hours.
The lack of regulations and poor working conditions, including the exploitation of women and children, led to a growing demand for better working conditions.
These issues were addressed by philanthropists like Sorabjee Shahpurjee Bengali and activists like Sasipad Bannerjee, who advocated for worker welfare.
While concerns for worker welfare were raised as early as 1850, it was not until 1881 that the first Factories Act was introduced in India.

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Description

This quiz explores the historical background and key provisions of the Factories Act of 1948 in India. It covers its origins, amendments, and impact on worker safety and well-being. Additionally, it discusses the influence of the Bhopal Gas Tragedy on regulatory changes and public health considerations.