Question

Consider the following statements: 

1. The Factories Act, 1881 was passed with a view to fix the wages of industrial workers and to allow the workers to form trade unions.

 2. N.M. Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the labour movement in British India.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

Correct option is (b) 2 only

Lord Ripon introduced the Factory Act of 1881 to improve the service condition of the factory workers in India. The Act banned the appointment of children below the age of seven in factories. It reduced the working hours for children. It made compulsory for all dangerous machines in the factories to be properly fenced to ensure security to the workers. So statement 1 is wrong.

In Bombay, middle class philanthropic efforts to improve labour conditions began fairly early with N.M. Lokhendestarting weekly Dinabandhuin 1880....andeven starting a Bombay Mill-hands Association in 1890. So, statement 2 is right.