Field Study on Minimum Wages in Siliguri

22-05-2026

Field-Based Study on the Payment of Minimum Wages to Workers in Small Industrial and Service Establishments in Siliguri under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 was conducted by the students of 3 Years IV Semester under the guidance of Ms. Dichen Bhutia, Assistant Professor of Law. The empirical research aimed to examine whether workers are receiving wages in accordance with the legally prescribed minimum wage rates and whether employers are complying with statutory labour standards. The study focused on understanding the realities of wage payment, labour welfare measures, and awareness of labour rights among workers employed in different sectors across Siliguri.

As part of the field-based research, the students conducted visits to tea estate factories, construction sites, and A1 Star Agency, a private security recruitment agency, to gain practical insights into employment conditions and implementation of labour laws. The visits enabled the researchers to study daily wages, working hours, welfare facilities, recruitment processes, duty hours, and awareness regarding labour rights. Interactions with workers further highlighted issues such as irregular wage payment, lack of written contracts, unsafe working conditions, and absence of social security benefits, particularly among migrant and casual labourers in the unorganised sector. Through field observations and direct interactions, the study highlights the gap between the legal framework under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 and its practical implementation in different sectors of employment.

Students Involved:

• Deep Chakraborty
• Sarthak Mukhopadhay
• Saikat Deb
• Priyanjana Sil
• Mala Rauth