7. Whitley Commission

Whitley Commission

Introduction

The Whitley Commission (officially known as the Royal Commission on Labour in India, 1929–31) was a landmark initiative by the British colonial government to examine and report on the conditions of labour in India. It is often referred to as the Whitley Commission after its chairman, John Henry Whitley.

Background

• By the 1920s, industrial unrest and poor working conditions in India had become a serious issue.
• Global labour movements and rising nationalism in India increased pressure on the British government to address labour conditions.
• As a result, the Royal Commission on Labour in India was set up in 1929 under the leadership of J.H. Whitley, who had earlier chaired the Whitley Committee in Britain on labour-management cooperation.

Objectives of the Whitley Commission

The Commission was tasked with:

1. Examining labour conditions in various industries (textile, mining, plantations, railways, etc.)
2. Studying wages, housing, sanitation, health, and safety standards.
3. Recommending measures to improve the welfare of industrial labourers.
4. Proposing legislative reforms for better labour regulation.

Key Recommendations of the Whitley Commission

1. Labour Welfare:
   • Establish labour departments in all provinces.
   • Improve housing, sanitation, and medical facilities for workers.
2. Working Hours:
   • Fix working hours for adult workers (recommended a 48-hour work week).
   • Limit child labour and improve working conditions for women.
3. Trade Unions:
   • Encouraged registration of trade unions.
   • Recommended protection of workers’ rights to form and join unions without fear of victimization.
4. Industrial Relations:
   • Promoted conciliation and arbitration to resolve disputes between employers and employees.
   • Suggested setting up labour courts or tribunals.
5. Wages and Employment Conditions:
   • Recommended minimum wage standards.
   • Urged regular payment of wages and implementation of employment contracts.
6. Plantation Labour:
   • Special attention to exploitative conditions in tea, coffee, and rubber plantations.
   • Suggested better regulation and inspection.

Impact of the Whitley Commission on Indian Labour Laws

The Commission’s findings became a foundation for modern labour legislation in India. Some of the outcomes include:

• Formation of Labour Departments across provinces.
• Enactment of several key labour laws, such as:
  • Factories Act (1934)
  • Workmen’s Compensation Act amendments
  • Trade Unions Act (1926) implementation improved
  • Minimum Wages Act (1948) and later laws were influenced by its vision
• Provided a blueprint for post-independence labour reforms and welfare policies.

Criticisms

• Some felt the recommendations were too moderate and did not fully address exploitation.
• Implementation was slow and inconsistent, especially under colonial rule.