Payment of Wages Act

The Payment of Wages Act, 1936, is a key labour law in India aimed at regulating the timely payment of wages to employees and safeguarding them against arbitrary deductions. It applies to workers in factories, industrial establishments, and certain other specified workplaces. The Act mandates that wages must be paid within a stipulated time frame, usually before the 7th or 10th day of the month, depending on the number of employees. It also specifies permissible deductions, such as for fines, absence from duty, or recovery of advances, ensuring that employees are not subjected to undue financial losses. By enforcing transparency and fairness in wage payments, the Act plays a crucial role in protecting workers’ rights and maintaining industrial harmony.