Is the Factory Act Relevant to Wind Farms? Seeking Clarity on Manufacturing Processes

I would like to know the applicability of the Factory Act for the windmill industry (windfarm) because the terms Manufacturing process, Premises, number of employees (with electrical aid - 10 and without electrical aid - 20) are really applicable to this industry.

As far as the area is concerned, a Wind farm covers a very large area. Can we call it a manufacturing process for electric power generation based on wind flow? Please guide me on the same.

Hi,

Power generation in a tent amounts to a manufacturing process. Windmills run without the aid of power. Therefore, if you have more than 20 employees, you are covered under the Factories Act. Additionally, you may also fall under the Shops and Establishments Act if you have administration offices here and there.

Mohan Rao
Manager HR

Dear,

This is a critical manufacturing/power generation process that requires attention and skilled work; hence, the factory act is applied. Please inquire with the local authority whether they have a local ESI office and PF office to fulfill certain formalities.

Let us know the number of employees working at this wind farm; the area you have does not matter.

Best Regards,
Sajid Ansari

Dear Mr. Uday,

As per Section 2 under Clause (k)(iii), read with "generating, transforming, or transmitting of power," your company is to be covered under the Factories Act, 1948. You may have to comply with the norms required thereunder. Regarding other statutory requirements such as PF, ESI, etc., you can interact with the local authorities.

I have attached a soft copy of the "Factories Act" for your reference.

Regards,

Balamurugan Sivaprakasam Head-HR, ICIL-MM Nagar

As per Section 2 under Clause (k), (iii), read with "generating, transforming, or transmitting of power," solar power plants and wind power plants are covered under the Factories Act. These power plants operate with the aid of electricity, and every plant larger than 5 MW in size, including solar plants, requires a minimum of 10 employees (including security).

I am unsure whether these plants are registered under the Factories Act of 1948.

Regards,
Rajashekar Reddy