UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2021

With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements: 1. All casual workers are entitled for Employees Provident Fund coverage. 2. All casual workers are entitled for regular working hours and overtime payment. 3. The government can by a notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account. Which of the above statements are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer

Correct Answer

2 and 3 only

Explanation

Statement 3 is correct: under the Payment of Wages Act, 1936 (Section 6, as amended in 2017), the appropriate government can by notification require certain establishments to pay wages only by cheque or by crediting the worker's bank account. UPSC's official key treats statement 2 as correct (working-hours and overtime norms in labour laws apply to casual workers as well). Statement 1 is incorrect: EPF coverage is not automatic for all casual workers; it depends on the establishment and eligibility conditions under the EPF & MP Act, 1952.

Topics: casual workers' entitlements & mode of wage payment, economy, labour & employment, unorganised sector workers