Q. Consider the following statements:

  1. The Factories Act, 1881 was passed with a view to fix the wages of industrial workers and to allow the workers to form trade unions.
  2. N.M. Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the labour movement in British India.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  • 1 only
  • 2 only
  • Both 1 and 2
  • Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 2 only

The Factories Act, 1881:
  • Purpose:
    • The Factories Act, 1881 was enacted under the viceroyalty of Lord Ripon to improve the working conditions of laborers, focusing primarily on child labor.
  • Children’s Employment Restrictions:
    • The Act prohibited the employment of children under the age of seven and limited the working hours for children under 12 years.
  • Safety and Rest Provisions:
    • It introduced mandatory rest periods and required that dangerous machinery be fenced properly.
    • The Act introduced provisions for mandatory rest periods, including a one-hour break during the workday, and mandated four holidays per month for workers.
  • No Mention of Wages or Trade Unions:
    • The Act did not address the fixation of wages or the formation of trade unions.
  • Scope:
    • While the Act was a significant step, its scope was limited, applying only to factories using mechanical power and employing at least 100 workers.
N.M. Lokhande and the Labour Movement
  • Labour Pioneer: Narayan Meghaji Lokhande was the father of trade union movement in India.
    • N.M. Lokhande was a key figure in organizing the labour movement in British India, especially in the textile industry.
  • Social Work: He also worked on communal and caste-related issues affecting workers.