Question

Which of the following Act states that creches should be maintained if more than 30 women are employed in an industry or factory?

• A. Plantation Labour Act, 1951
• B. Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
• C. Factories Act, 1948
• D. Mines Act, 1952

Hint:

Remember key thresholds for crèche facilities:
Factories Act, 1948: More than 30 women workers.
Plantation Labour Act, 1951: 50 or more women workers.
Maternity Benefit Amendment Act, 2017: 50 or more employees.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Labour welfare legislations in India provide statutory support to working mothers by mandating childcare facilities such as crèches at the workplace.
Different labour acts stipulate employment thresholds for providing crèche facilities for young children of working women.

Step 1: Examining the Factories Act, 1948:
Under Section 48 of the Factories Act, 1948, it is statutorily mandated that in every factory where more than 30 women workers are ordinarily employed, a suitable room or crèche must be provided and maintained for the use of children under the age of six years belonging to such women.
The crèche must provide adequate accommodation, proper lighting, ventilation, and clean sanitary conditions, overseen by trained caregivers.

Step 2: Comparing with Other Labour Acts:
The Plantation Labour Act, 1951 mandates crèche facilities where 50 or more women workers are employed (or where the number of children of women workers is 20 or more).
The Mines Act, 1952 provides for crèche facilities in mines irrespective of the exact number of female employees as per the Mines Creche Rules, 1966.
The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 (amended in 2017) mandates a crèche facility for every establishment employing 50 or more employees.

Step 3: Evaluating the Options:
The specific threshold of “more than 30 women employed” directly corresponds to the provision under Section 48 of the Factories Act, 1948.
Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct answer is (C) Factories Act, 1948.