Evolution of Labour Laws in India and its background

Labour Law

1. Evolution of Labour Laws in India From Pre-Colonial Era to Modern Labour Codes Shubham Kashyap Kalita

2. Introduction Labour laws are rules governing employers, employees, and trade unions. They balance economic needs with worker rights. Evolved through colonial legacies, industrialization, freedom struggle, Constitution, and global standards.

3. Pre-Industrial & Pre-Colonial Context • Agrarian and artisanal economy. • Governed by caste, guild rules (shrenis), and customs. • Informal regulation, bonded labour, caste restrictions.

4. Early Colonial Period (1770–1850) • British East India Company focused on revenue and trade. • Coercive labour in plantations, mines, and construction. • Indentured labour system exploited Indian workers. • No specific protections; disputes under contract law.

5. Industrial Revolution & First Labour Laws (1850–1910) • Industrial growth in textiles, jute, coal, railways. • Need for regulated workforce. • Apprentices Act 1850 allowed child labour. • Factories Acts (1864, 1878, 1881, 1891) regulated working conditions. • Mines Act 1901 improved conditions for women and children.

6. Rise of Labour Movement (1910–1947) • Growth of trade unions and working class. • India joined ILO in 1919. • Key Laws: - Trade Unions Act 1926 - Workmen’s Compensation Act 1923 - Payment of Wages Act 1936 - Factories Act 1934

7. Post-Independence Consolidation (1947–1970) • Constitution ensured equality, rights, and worker welfare. • Major Laws: - Industrial Disputes Act 1947 - Factories Act 1948 - Minimum Wages Act 1948 - EPF Act 1952 - ESI Act 1948

8. Labour Militancy & Regulation (1970–1990) • Rise of strikes and trade unionism. • Key Laws: - Contract Labour Act 1970 - Payment of Gratuity Act 1972 - Equal Remuneration Act 1976

9. Liberalization & Reforms (1991–2014) • Globalization and privatization. • Push for flexible labour laws. • Expanded social security. • Greater use of contract labour.

10. Labour Codes Era (2014–Present) • Simplification of 40+ laws into 4 Codes: - Code on Wages 2019 - Industrial Relations Code 2020 - Social Security Code 2020 - Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code 2020 • Aim: Ease of doing business + worker protection.