The Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, has issued the Draft Rules for Plantation Workers under Sections 23 and 24 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSH & WC Code). These rules, aim to ensure comprehensive safety, health, and welfare standards for workers employed in the plantation sector.
The draft has been released for public consultation, and stakeholders have 45 days from the date of Gazette publication (September 25, 2025) to submit objections or suggestions to the Ministry.
📘 Key Highlights of the Draft Rules:
🧼 Cleanliness & Hygiene (Section 23)
- Employers must maintain hygienic, dry, and non-slippery service rooms.
- Waste must be safely collected, stored, and treated daily under supervision.
- Precautions to prevent air contamination by pesticides/chemicals are mandatory.
🧪 Protection from Dust & Toxins
- PPE must be provided free of charge for handling pesticides and toxic substances.
- Clothing must be chemical-resistant and washable.
- No entry allowed into contaminated areas unless toxins are within permissible limits.
🚰 Potable Drinking Water
- Clean, marked water sources must be available.
- Common drinking cups are prohibited.
- Unsafe water must be clearly marked.
💡 Lighting & Sanitation
- Proper artificial lighting must be arranged where daylight is inadequate.
- Separate, well-maintained toilets and urinals must be provided for men, women, transgender persons, and persons with disabilities (PWDs), based on employee ratio (e.g., 1 toilet per 25 male and 15 female workers).
🚻 Washroom & Locker Facilities
- Separate, secure washrooms and locker rooms must be available for all genders.
- Wet clothing must be dried in designated areas to avoid contamination.
🧺 Waste Management
- Chemical waste (pesticide containers, etc.) must be disposed of safely.
- Employees handling waste must be trained in hazard management.
🍽️ Canteen Facility (for 100+ workers)
- A clean, ventilated canteen must serve nutritious food on a no-profit-no-loss basis.
- Canteen Managing Committee (with equal representation) to oversee operations.
💊 First Aid & Medical Care
- Certified first-aiders must be present.
- First aid boxes must be adequate, accessible, and properly equipped.
- Emergency medical arrangements and transport (ambulance) must be ensured.
🤝 Appointment of Welfare Officers
- Mandatory for plantations with 250+ workers.
- Additional officers required for every 500 workers thereafter.
- Women Welfare Officers required in proportion to the number of female employees.
- Welfare Officers must have a PG degree/diploma in HR, social work, or labour welfare.
👶 Crèche Facilities (for 50+ workers)
- Free crèche facilities are compulsory for children under 6 years of age.
- Preferably run by a woman; police verification of staff is mandatory.
- Mobile crèches to be provided when required.
📣 Public Consultation Open
Stakeholders are invited to send their feedback to:
Shri Ravi Kumar Nirala, Under Secretary
Email: fas@dgfasli.nic.in / ravis.nirala@nic.in
Address: Room No. 17, Shram Shakti Bhawan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi
Feedback should be submitted in the following format:
- Name and address of the person/organization
- Rule or sub-rule proposed to be modified
- Suggested revision and reason
🗓️ Deadline:
Submissions must be made within 45 days from the date of Gazette availability to the public.
This draft marks a significant step in formalizing welfare standards for plantation workers, ensuring their safety, dignity, and access to health and hygiene, in line with modern labour principles.