Need Help Crafting a Leave Policy for a Kolkata Factory: What Are the Legal Requirements?

I am working as an HR Executive in a factory of an online grocery company in Kolkata. Can somebody help me in formulating the Leave Policy for my company? Please suggest the types of leaves and encashment policy for the same. As per the Indian Labour laws and West Bengal Factory Act, how many leaves are mandatory for an organization?

Leave required under the Factory Act

1. Weekly off after every 6 days of work.
2. 1 day of paid leave for every 20 days worked (days worked includes weekly off).

This paid holiday accrues at the end of each calendar year and is to be used in the next year.

Apart from this, you need to see the Standing Orders that apply to your factory for other leaves that may be compulsory.

It is essential to frame a leave policy for the organization. As it is a factory, the minimum obligation under the Factories Act must be fulfilled, i.e., one day of annual leave for every 20 days of actual work. It is also essential to have certified Standing Orders if the number of workmen is 50 and above (for WB).

Moreover, there should be some paid holidays and some casual leave as per the practices of the state. If all workmen are covered under ESIC, then medical leave will be covered as per ESI rules and regulations. If there is a female employee, maternity leave will also be applicable.

It will be better if you collect data from similar organizations in WB for comparison.

S K Bandyopadhyay (WB, Howrah)
CEO - USD HR Solutions
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy-Reasons]