National Laws and the Position of Migrant Women Laborers

Description

Page: 232-236

Ajmer Singh (Department of Law, Punjab College of Law, Usma, Taran Taran, Punjab)

This article explores the legal and socio-economic challenges faced by migrant women laborers in India, focusing on the adequacy of national laws in protecting their rights and welfare. Migrant women laborers, often engaged in low-paying, informal sectors, encounter multiple vulnerabilities, including exploitation, poor working conditions, and limited access to health and social security benefits. Although India has a robust legal framework for labor rights, gender-specific gaps, lack of enforcement, and limited access to justice exacerbate the plight of migrant women. This study examines key legislations such as the Interstate Migrant Workmen Act, 1979, and the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, assessing their effectiveness in safeguarding the rights of migrant women. A comparative perspective with other jurisdictions highlights best practices that India could adopt to strengthen its migrant labor policies. The article concludes with recommendations for legislative reforms, improved enforcement mechanisms, and gender-sensitive policy measures to enhance protections for migrant women laborers, calling for a holistic approach to ensure their rights, dignity, and economic security.