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Despite innumerable laws and regulations to protect the interests of women at work, there is much cause for concern about actual conditions on the ground. Women comprise about 30 per cent of the total workforce in India, according to the National Commission on labour. This figure does not reflect the reality of the disproportionate burden of unpaid labour on women and girl children. Women’s labour is also not reflected in statistics because huge numbers work in the informal and home-based sectors, and as irregular and casual workers.
This handbook examines gender friendly provisions of the Constitution of India and all major legislation relating to women’s employment. On the basis of archival as well as field research, Mediratta contends that existing legal measures are either not implemented or are inadequate for meeting the challenges posed by the fast-changing economic environment today. He demonstrates how vast numbers of women in India face problems of low income, unequal pay, lack of access to legal aid and advice, poor working conditions, long working hours, insecurity of tenure, as well as social and sexual harassment.
This handbook is a veritable treasure trove of data on critical issues, including the enforcement of the Minimum Wages Act, wage rates, maternity benefits paid, time spent on paid and unpaid activity, and women workers in rural and urban areas. It also covers the evolution of government policy on empowering women, and the role of other bodies such as the National Commission for Women.
ISBN - 9780195699418
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