THE EVOLUTION OF WAGE LAWS IN INDIA: FROM THE PAYMENT OF WAGES ACT, 1936 TO THE CODE ON WAGES, 2019 – A CONSTITUTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

Wage laws in India have never been solely about the amount paid to labourers. They reflect the nature and character of the work, the priorities of the government and the constant shift in balance between ensuring labour welfare and industrial growth. It is clear from the evolution from the Payment of Wages Act,1936 to the Code on Wages, 2019 that the legislature seeks to ensure dignity, equity and prevention of labour exploitation while progressing industries economically. The Legislation on wages for labourers began on narrow foundations but has now evolved to comprehensive standards allowing for uniformity, equality and protection of labourers. The Minimum Wage Law is assisted by other legal instruments. These include the Payment of Wages Act of 1936, the Payment of Bonus Act of 1965 and the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976.