The canteen in an educational institution cannot be considered a factory under the Factories Act, 1948 simply because food is prepared there. However, it can be classified as an establishment under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 if the employment is covered by the Act's schedule by the appropriate Government.
Additionally, the employees of the canteen can request extra wages for the work they perform beyond the normal working hours stated in their employment contract. This is because both the working hours and the payment of wages for the hours or days worked are mutual obligations outlined in every employment contract.