The First Factory Act, also known as the Factories Act of 1881, was a landmark piece of legislation enacted in Britain that aimed to improve the working conditions of workers in factories. The act had far-reaching implications not only in Britain but also in other parts of the world, including India.
The act was the result of years of advocacy by reformers and social activists, who were concerned about the inhumane conditions in which many workers in factories lived and worked. The industrial revolution had brought about tremendous economic growth, but it had also created new problems. Workers were often subjected to long hours, low wages, and dangerous working conditions. Children as young as seven years old were forced to work in factories, and workers were not protected by any labor laws.
The First Factory Act was enacted to address these problems by setting limits on the number of hours that children could work, and by imposing safety requirements on factories. The act also established an inspectorate to enforce the provisions of the act and to ensure that workers were protected.
In India, the First Factory Act had a significant impact on the working conditions of workers in factories. The act was introduced in India in 1881 and was extended to cover the whole of India in 1891. The act applied to factories that employed more than ten workers, and it required that these factories provide a safe working environment and protect the health of workers. The act also prohibited the employment of children under the age of 14 years in factories.
The introduction of the First Factory Act in India marked a turning point in the history of labor rights in the country. The act helped to improve the working conditions of workers in factories and provided them with some measure of protection against exploitation. It also helped to raise public awareness about the importance of labor rights and the need for laws to protect workers.
Key points on Factories Act of 1881
- The First Factory Act, also known as the Factories Act of 1881, was a landmark piece of legislation enacted in Britain aimed at improving the working conditions of workers in factories.
- The act was the result of years of advocacy by reformers and social activists who were concerned about the inhumane conditions in which many workers in factories lived and worked.
- The act set limits on the number of hours that children could work, and imposed safety requirements on factories.
- The act established an inspectorate to enforce the provisions of the act and ensure that workers were protected.
- The First Factory Act was introduced in India in 1881 and extended to cover the whole of India in 1891.
- The act applied to factories that employed more than ten workers, and required that these factories provide a safe working environment and protect the health of workers.
- The act prohibited the employment of children under the age of 14 years in factories.
- The introduction of the First Factory Act in India marked a turning point in the history of labor rights in the country.
- The act helped to improve the working conditions of workers in factories and provided them with some measure of protection against exploitation.
- The act served as a model for future labor laws in many other countries and helped lay the foundation for the modern labor movement. The First Factory Act continues to be an important reference point for labor laws and workers’ rights in India.
MCQs on Factories Act of 1881
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When was the First Factory Act (Factories Act of 1881) enacted in Britain?
A) 1851
B) 1881
C) 1911
D) 1941
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Was the First Factory Act introduced in India?
A) Yes
B) No
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What was the main purpose of the First Factory Act of 1881 in Britain?
A) To increase profits for factory owners
B) To regulate working hours in factories
C) To improve the working conditions of workers in factories
D) To reduce the number of workers in factories
