Are BPO Call Centers Eligible for Maharashtra's Special Allowance from 2013? Seeking Clarification

Is BPO call centers also covered under the Maharashtra Government Special Allowance benefit, which is issued from 01/07/2013 to 31/12/2013? If yes, then under which category will it come? Please suggest.

Thanks and regards,
G Singh Chauhan.

BPO falls under the Bombay Shop and Establishment Act, as BPOs are business units that are not listed in any specific category. Therefore, it is an establishment that is registered under the said act.

Thanks,
Bijay

Coverage of BPOs Under Minimum Wages Act

Your query seems to be whether BPOs are covered under the Minimum Wages Act, under which the State Government notifies minimum wages specifying basic and special allowances every six months. Yes, BPOs are covered since it is an establishment covered under the Bombay Shops and Establishments Act. It is essential to ensure that wages paid to different categories of employees in a BPO are in accordance with the Minimum Wages Act.

Regards,
B. Saikumar

Your query - Are BPO call centers also covered under the Maharashtra Govt Special Allowance benefit issued from 01/07/2013 to 31/12/2013? If yes, then under which category will it fall? Please suggest.

Answer

Yes, your BPO is registered under the Shop & Commercial Establishment Act. You must pay the salary as per the category specified under the Shop & Commercial Establishment.

Regards,
Dilip Nandanwar
For Vidarbha Industries
(Labour Law Consulting & Payroll Outsourcing)
Navi Mumbai