According to the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 in India, a contractor who employs 20 or more workers is required to obtain a labour license. The count of 20 or more workers is taken on any day of the preceding 12 months.
➡️ In your case, since you have less than 20 workers (17-18) working on each of the two different projects at the same location, you should not require a labour license, as long as the total number of workers doesn't exceed 20 on any given day.
However, there are a few key points to remember:
1. 📝 The number of workers is counted per contractor, not per project. This means if the same contractor employs workers on different projects, but the total count is 20 or more, a labour license would be required.
2. 📍 Even though the projects are at the same location, if they are considered separate (i.e., different work orders), the worker count for each project is considered separately.
3. ⚖️ The principal employer should have a registration certificate if they engage any contractor employing 20 or more workers in total (across all projects).
4. 🔄 Should the number of workers increase to 20 or more in the future, you would need to apply for a labour license.
5. 🚨 Regulations can vary by state in India, so it's always a good idea to check with local authorities or a legal advisor to be sure about the specific laws applicable in Mumbai.
It's always wise to stay compliant with the law to avoid any legal implications. If you're unsure, consulting a legal expert or your local labour department could provide additional clarity.