Write short notes on the following under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948. (a) Objective of the Act. (b) Fixation and Revision of Minimum Wages.

Objective of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948:

The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, aims to safeguard the interests of workers by ensuring the fixation and payment of minimum wages for various categories of employment. The key objectives of the Act are as follows:

1. Poverty Alleviation: One of the primary objectives of the Act is to alleviate poverty and improve the living standards of workers by ensuring that they receive wages that are adequate for their basic needs and contribute to their overall well-being.

2. Social Justice: The Act seeks to promote social justice by providing fair and equitable wages to workers, irrespective of their socioeconomic background, gender, or occupation. It aims to prevent exploitation and ensure that workers are remunerated fairly for their labor.

3. Protection of Workers' Rights: The Act serves to protect the rights and interests of workers by establishing a legal framework for the fixation, payment, and enforcement of minimum wages. It helps prevent the exploitation of workers by unscrupulous employers and ensures that they receive wages that are commensurate with the nature of their work and the prevailing economic conditions.

4. Promotion of Decent Work: By setting minimum wage standards, the Act contributes to the promotion of decent work and the creation of a conducive work environment that is conducive to the well-being and dignity of workers. It fosters a culture of respect for labor and encourages employers to provide fair wages and decent working conditions.

5. Stimulation of Economic Growth: Adequate wages contribute to increased purchasing power among workers, leading to higher consumption levels and economic growth. By ensuring that workers receive fair wages, the Act helps stimulate demand for goods and services, thereby contributing to overall economic development.

Fixation and Revision of Minimum Wages:

The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, provides a framework for the fixation and revision of minimum wages, ensuring that workers receive wages that are reasonable and adequate. The process of fixation and revision typically involves the following steps:

1. Notification of Minimum Wages: The appropriate government (central or state) notifies minimum wage rates for different categories of employment, taking into account factors such as skill level, nature of work, and prevailing economic conditions. These rates are typically reviewed and revised periodically to reflect changes in the cost of living and other relevant factors.

2. Factors Considered: In fixing or revising minimum wages, the appropriate government considers factors such as the skill required, the intensity of the work, the prevailing rates of wages in similar employments, and the overall economic conditions.

3. Consultation with Stakeholders: Before notifying minimum wages, the appropriate government may consult with employers, workers' representatives, and other stakeholders to gather inputs and ensure that the proposed rates are fair and reasonable.

4. Enforcement and Compliance: Once minimum wages are notified, employers are required to ensure compliance with the prescribed rates and pay wages that are not less than the minimum rates fixed by the government. The Act provides for mechanisms for the enforcement of minimum wage laws and the redressal of grievances related to non-payment or underpayment of wages.

In conclusion, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, plays a crucial role in promoting social justice, protecting workers' rights, and stimulating economic growth by ensuring the fixation and payment of minimum wages. By establishing a legal framework for the determination of minimum wage rates and ensuring compliance with wage laws, the Act contributes to the well-being and dignity of workers and fosters a more equitable and inclusive society.