Dear Dr Kalpana,
Tell your employers that as a principal employer, they are liable to provide all the statutory benefits. Whether on the roll of the company or outsourced employee, finally it is the responsibility of the principal employer to follow the statutory provisions.
Let me quote here classic case. A very prominent IT company of Bangalore received show cause notice from labour department because they employed security guards on National Holidays (like 15th August etc). However, whoever does duty on these days, need to be paid thrice the salary. The IT company had not done that. Labour department did not issue the notice to the Security Agency for non-compliance of Karnataka Shops and Establishment Rule, 1963 but then had issued it to the IT company because it was the principal employer.
Imagine a situation wherein outsourced employee working in some factory meets with accident. Then who is responsible for payment as per the provisions of Workers Compensation Act? Contractor or principal employer? Obviously latter.
Anyway replies from other senior members are welcome. In the meanwhile you can check provisions of Maternity Benefit Act 1961 and Contract Labour Regulations Act, 1972.
Ok...
DVD