Background:
The Andhra Pradesh Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Rules, 1971, were framed under the provisions of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, with the objective of regulating the employment of contract labour in establishments and ensuring their welfare and rights. These rules prescribe the detailed procedures, registers, forms, and conditions to be followed by both principal employers and contractors. The intent of the Rules is to prevent exploitation of contract labour and provide minimum facilities such as payment of wages, health, and welfare provisions.
Applicability:
The Andhra Pradesh Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Rules, 1971, are applicable to all establishments employing contract labour in the State of Andhra Pradesh where the Act is applicable
Compliance Requirements under the Rules
Every principal employer is required to provide rest rooms or other suitable alternate accommodation if not provided by the contractor to the workers
Every principal employer is required to provide rest rooms or other suitable alternate accommodation if not provided by the contractor to the workers
Every principal employer is required to provide Latrines and Urinals in sufficient numbers as prescribed in the act for contract workers employed in the establishment
Every principal employer is required to provide first aid facilities as prescribed in the act for contract workers employed in the establishment
No wage period should exceed one month and wages paid to the contract workers should not be less than minimum wages as prescribed by the state government from time to time
Every principal employer is required to maintain a Register of Contractors in Form XII.
Every contractor must maintain a Register of Persons Employed in Form XII.
Every contractor is required to issue an Employment Card in Form XIV to each worker within three days of employment of the worker.
Upon termination of employment, the contractor shall issue a Service Certificate in Form XV to every worker whose employment has been terminated..
Every contractor must maintain registers of:
Every contractor shall display an abstract of the Act and Rules in English and Hindi and in the language spoken by the majority of workers in such form as may be approved.
Notices showing the rates of wages, hours of work, wage periods, dates of payment of wages, names and addresses of the inspectors having jurisdiction, and date of payment of unpaid wages, shall be displayed in English, in Hindi and in the local language understood by the majority of the workers in conspicuous places at the work-site by the principal employer or the contractor as the case may be
Every principal employer shall, within fifteen days of the commencement or completion of each contract work under each contractor, submit a return to the inspector, intimating the actual date of the commencement or, as the case may be, completion of such work, in Form VI-B. (Rule 81(3))
Every contractor shall submit half yearly return in Form XXIV not later than thirty days from the close of the half-year (calendar year).
The principal employer is required to submit an annual return in Form XXV to the Registering Officer before 15th February, following the year to which it relates
A principal employer /contractor is required to register under Contract Labour Act if at any time during the year, prescribed number of workmen are employed in the establishment/by the contractor respectively as contract labours
Penalties & Punishments
Whoever contravenes any provision of this Act or of any rules made thereunder prohibiting, restricting or regulating the employment of contract labour, or contravenes any condition of a licence granted under this Act, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or with fine which may/extend to one thousand rupees, or with both, and in the case of a continuing contravention with an additional fine which may extend to one hundred rupees for every day during which such contravention continues after conviction for the first such contravention.
Conclusion
The Andhra Pradesh Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Rules, 1971 serve as an important framework to regulate the employment of contract labour. They ensure that contract workers receive their rightful wages, welfare facilities, and protection from exploitation. Employers and contractors must adhere strictly to the provisions to remain compliant and avoid penalties.
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