Understanding Canteen Facilities Under the Factories Act: Is Providing Meals Mandatory for Employers?

Dear HR and IR Professionals,

What is a canteen facility under the Factories Act?

What is its applicability? Is it mandatory for the employer to provide meals/food?

Please suggest or provide guidance on this legal matter.

Regards,
Shivaji Aher

Canteen Requirements Under the Factories Act

A canteen is a statutory necessity where the total number of workers (i.e., all-inclusive at the workplace) exceeds 250. The details on how the canteen is to be run statutorily are in the Factories Act Rules promulgated by the State Government.

Canteen Management and Pricing

The items to be provided in the canteen are not prescribed in the statute but are left to the Canteen Managing Committee. The committee can also decide on the pricing of the items. The guideline is that it should operate on a no-profit-no-loss basis concerning running expenses (capital cost is excluded).

Food is mandatory

Where is the clause?

A plain reading of Section 46 of the Factories Act will give you insight into the obligations of the employer.