Understanding Labor Laws for a GOSHALA Charitable Trust: What Should I Know?

Dear Fellow Members, I would be thankful if any of you could let me know which labor laws would be applicable to a GOSHALA, running as a Charitable Trust, engaged in rearing around 50 cows and selling milk in the local market. More than 20 persons are directly or indirectly engaged in carrying out the related activities.

As I understand, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and the Employees' Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 must be applicable. The Industrial Disputes Act, 1948, and the Shops and Establishments Act, 1953 are not applicable. Please correct me if I am wrong.

I am not sure about other Acts, such as the Payment of Wages Act, 1936; Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972.

Your valuable inputs would be of immense help to me.

Regards, Vijayanta Kumar Sinha

Dear Mr. Sinha,

What is the meaning of direct and indirect employees? Do you have any record to show the strength of direct employees and the status of indirect employees? Are they on the rolls of the contractor? Is there any formal agreement between the trust and contractor? These facts will determine which laws are applicable.

Secondly, from your post, it seems the activity is dairy farming. The location is also important to decide the applicability.