According to the latest annual data released by the labour bureau, the share of women workers in registered factories submitting annual returns — working more than the statutorily-mandated maximum limit of 48 hours in a week — increased to a 11-year high of 33.6 per cent in 2019.
Key points
- In comparison, only 27.9 per cent male workers worked more than the statutorily-mandated hours.
- Earlier in 2008, 39.2 per cent women workers had worked more than the prescribed work time.
- The annual data on implementation of the Factories Act, 1948, released by the labour bureau, is a compilation of data furnished by states/Union Territories (UTs).
- The rules framed under the Act impose an obligation on all registered factories to submit annual statutory returns.
- Section 51 of the Act prescribes that no adult worker shall be required or allowed to work in a factory for more than 48 hours in any week.
- Besides, 58.5 per cent of women worked between 45 and 48 hours weekly, as opposed to 64.6 per cent male workers.
- Though, fewer men worked less than 42 hours in a week (3.1 per cent) compared to 4.5 per cent women.
- Factories in Tamil Nadu employed most women in overtime work (3,177), followed by Andhra Pradesh (2,317) and Kerala (1021).
