UPSC Prelims 2017 Q24: Modern History – Peasant, Tribal & Labour Movements
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: (b) 2 only
Explanation
Early labour laws and leaders
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Factories Act, 1881 fixed wages and allowed trade unions | Incorrect | It dealt with child labour (ages 7-12 limited to 9 hours) and safety; it did not fix wages or allow unions |
| 2. N. M. Lokhande pioneered the labour movement | Correct | He founded the Bombay Mill Hands Association (1890), India's first organised labour body |
Labour milestones:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1881 | First Factories Act (child labour) |
| 1890 | Bombay Mill Hands Association (Lokhande) |
| 1920 | AITUC founded (Lala Lajpat Rai first president) |
| 1926 | Trade Unions Act allows registration of unions |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The 1881 Act regulated child labour; it did not fix wages or permit unions.
- (b) CORRECT. N. M. Lokhande founded the Bombay Mill Hands Association in 1890.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; unions were legalised only by the 1926 Trade Unions Act.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 2 is true; Lokhande is called the father of India's labour movement.
Key point
Factories Act 1881 = child labour limits; N. M. Lokhande = Bombay Mill Hands Association (1890); unions legal only from the Trade Unions Act, 1926.
Remember
1881 = child labour; Lokhande = first labour leader; 1926 = unions legal.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the 1881 Act gave workers union rights; that came in 1926.
- Not knowing Lokhande as the pioneer of organised labour.
- Confusing the AITUC (1920) with the first labour body.
Exam tip
Early factory laws were about children and hours, not wages or unions.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence, Ch 16
- Spectrum — A Brief History of Modern India (Working class movement)