Question

Which Indian legislative act provides social security measures specifically for industrial workers regarding maternity benefits?

• A. Factories Act, 1948
• B. Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948
• C. Maternity Benefit Act, 1961
• D. Minimum Wages Act, 1948

Hint:

Industrial workers $\rightarrow$ \textbf{ESI Act, 1948} Non-ESI women $\rightarrow$ Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Various legislative acts in India provide social security and welfare benefits to workers. These include provisions related to health, maternity, wages, and working conditions.

• Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948: Provides medical care and cash benefits including maternity benefits for industrial workers.
• Maternity Benefit Act, 1961: Provides maternity leave and benefits, mainly for women not covered under ESI.
• Factories Act, 1948: Regulates working conditions in factories.
• Minimum Wages Act, 1948: Ensures minimum wage standards.

Step 1: Focus on "industrial workers".
The question specifically refers to workers in industrial settings.
Step 2: Identify the act covering such workers.
The ESI Act, 1948 provides comprehensive social security, including maternity benefits, specifically for employees in factories and establishments.
Step 3: Differentiate from similar act.
The Maternity Benefit Act applies to women not covered under ESI, whereas ESI is targeted at industrial workers.
Step 4: Conclude the answer.
Thus, the correct answer is Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948.