Redemption of Building and Construction Workers in India: Will-O’-The-Wisp?

Abstract

This chapter narrates the terrible employment conditions and the prevalence of contract labour system in the construction sector which has generated considerable employment in the post-reform period. The chapter argues on the basis of long years of administrative experience as a labour department official that even though there exist complete and comprehensive laws governing the employment conditions and social security concerning the construction workers, the implementation of the law by state labour departments has been far from desirable. This has invited the intervention of the Supreme Court which has provided directions to the state governments for better implementation of the laws.