The Dock Workers (Regulation of Employment) Act, 1948 is a pivotal piece of legislation enacted on 4th March 1948 to regulate the employment conditions of dock workers across India (originally excluding Jammu & Kashmir). Historically, it was introduced to bring stability and regularity to a sector known for casual and uncertain employment, ensuring better working conditions, minimum wages, and social security for workers engaged in loading, unloading, and handling cargo at ports.
The Act empowers the government to create and enforce schemes for the registration of dock workers and employers, establish Dock Labour Boards for administration, and set up Advisory Committees with tripartite representation from government, workers, and employers. It includes provisions for inspections, audits, penalties for violations, and mechanisms for oversight and inquiry. This legislation plays a crucial role in India's legal system by providing a structured framework to safeguard workers' rights, promote industrial harmony, and ensure efficient port operations through regulated employment practices.